Designer Rohit Bal’s off-site show for Lakmé Fashion Week at Tote in Mumbai was – expectedly – a celebrity studded affair. From Queenie Singh to JJ Valaya and from Sabyasachi Mukherjee to Babita Malkani, the who’s-who of the fashion world and the glitterati were in attendance.
Ranjit Rodricks picks out ten things which he liked in particular at the show. And Sue Ellen Castellino works the Flip to get you exclusive interviews on video. So here we go…
1) Volume
Rohit’s collection – called Shaanti – had lot of volume which signified luxury and indulgence. Like in the image above, his silhouettes billowed around the wearer and were even layered at times, making for a rich and royal appeal.
2) Kitsch Bangles
Rohit sent all his models down the ramp wearing multiple bangles on each arm. These were in rainbow hues and sparkled brilliantly with crystals. We loved the colourful, bling effect!
3) The Sets
In true Rohit Bal style, the sets played an important role at the show. Gudda had his team border the ramp with leafless trees, bedecked with multiple gajras. It gave the effect of white blossoms hanging from a tree after snowfall. Of course, the flowers added a lovely fragrance to the room as well.
4) The Show-stopper
The fact that model-turned-actor Arjun Rampal was the show-stopper forRohit’s show has become predictable. This time he wore a tee-shirt that had the word “hero” embroidered on to it. But what we liked is that he and Rohit picked up handfulls of flowers from bowls placed strategically on the ramp and proceeded to shower the audience with them. It was a nice interactive gesture.
5) Anu Aggarwal’s Earrings
Dressed in a black mini-dress that showed of endless tanned legs, actress Anu Aggarwal was quite an attraction at the show. Always bubbly and full of fun, we particularly liked the earrings she wore for the occasion. “I bought them while on holiday in Greece,” she tells us. A close look revealed that they were simple silver hoops with a pretty pink bow tied to them. Quite simple and stunning!
6) Manasi Scotts Style Quotient
Singer Manasi Scott has to be on our Best Dressed List. This lady is in super shape and really knows how to work her designer togs. Check her out in the fabulous Lanvin dress with ruffles at the back and don’t miss her acid-green nail polish. Tres chic!
7) Sunil Padwal’s Chic Shirt
Though there were many designers in the house, none of them were as snazzily dressed as international award-winning artist, Sunil Padwal. We fell in love with his cowl-neck top that had a tie-up at the neck. He teamed it effortlessly with black jeans and a white belt. Maybe he should turn designer too?
8) Sona Mohapatra’s Blue Eyes
Few women can wear brilliant blue glittery eye-shadow and get away with it. And singer Sona Mohapatra is one of those. Her blue eye-shadow perfectly complemented the dress she wore which she “Picked up at a Turkish flea market!”
9) Pria Kataria Puri’s Gothic Gown
Designer Pria Kataria Puri has always been an advertisement for her own clothes (we’re not complaining) since she wears them so often to events. This time however, she wore a black Gothic gown which was not from her own collections. Instead, it was a birthday gift from her daughter. Seeing how stunning and statesque Pria looks, we can definitely say that good taste runs deep in this family!
10) Rohit Bal’s Chill-Out Zone
Usually one who is the life of the party and the center of all attention, the man himself – Rohit Bal – chose to sit far away from the maddening crowd. Chilling in the dressing room with a group of close pals, Rohit did not mingle much with the fashion frat. Instead, he quietly sipped his glass of wine and looked introspective. Did the theme of his collection – Shaanti – rub off on him? His answer was an enigmatic smile.
Photos: Ranjit Rodricks for MissMalini