The fashion of the retro era, a collection inspired by virtues of spirituality, and an ode to modern women — the second day of Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2012 in Mumbai saw designers Nimish Shah, Payal Khandwala and Roma Narsinghani presenting contrasting collections on Saturday.

The show began with Shah’s collection, which was inspired by the ’70s, but with a contemporary twist.

“We used more silk material and shawls. We took the old vintage reference and gave a contemporary twist to it with a lot of detailing,” said Shah.

It was followed by a line by Khandwala, who incorporated the virtues of loyalty, self awareness and spirituality into her collection.

“My collections was inspired by monks and warriors. It’s very easy and comfortable wear, with some draping and more constructive work,” Khandwala said.

The show came to an end with Narsinghani’s collection DreamCatcher, which is an ode to the modern women. She extensively used shell buttons as surface embellishments on her creations.

“I have played a lot with buttons, and my collection is a mix of structure and drape together. The USP of my collection is loose and comfortable collars,” said Narsinghani.

Meanwhile, designer Wendell Rodricks showcased his new collection — Timeless — featuring long dresses, georgette circle dupattas, satin silk long line cholis, kurtas, high waist dhoti among others.

In line with his designs, mirrors of unusual shapes hung over the runway, while refreshing music played in the background.

Known for exquisite silhouettes, styling and innovative use of fabrics, Rodricks said he tried his hands on “unusual styling”, admitting it was “very difficult”.

“It was a difficult collection this time. It’s an Indian kind of fashion with cholis, lehengas, and cut works. The theme is slightly drawn from abstract Indian, from the concept of the square to the geometry of circles, and then converted so that it is a celebration of Indian timelessness,” Rodricks said.

Many Bollywood celebrities were present at the event including Arshad Warsi, Tisca Chopra and Sonali Kulkarni.

Siddharth Mallya, who painted a dapper picture in a black tuxedo, walked as showstopper for designers Komal Sood, while British model and Bollywood actress Amy Jackson sizzled in a desi avatar at Pernia Qureshi’s.

“It was a superb experience to walk the ramp. I’m a huge fan of tuxedos and I’m happy that I could walk the ramp wearing it. I was only nervous about whether I [would] be able to justify the attire,” Mallya said later.

Jackson, who looked slim and trim in a black sari with a wine-coloured border, teamed with a black blouse with detail work on its collar, said: “I am happy I got to wear an Indian sari. I don’t want to take it off. I love saris.”

The combined show started with Sood showcasing contrasting colours like shades of electric crimson fused with vibrant violet, deep wine and black.

“My collection was inspired by twilight,” said Sood. “It’s very glamorous and colourful.”

Her outfits included draped dresses, skirts, and she worked with a lot of embellishments to give a hint of femininity.

Qureshi’s collection, titled An Evening in Paris, was highly wearable.

“My collection was really practical in the sense that the models could walk the ramp in them and could even go for a dinner directly,” she said.

Her line was an amalgamation of drop-waist dresses, knee-length fitted dresses and specially designed satin mules.

The LFW is on until Tuesday.