Bombay dream: Vanity fair

Shantanu-Nikhil

Although Sidharth Mallya and actress Deepika Padukone are usually seen making public appearances together, this time Mallya came alone to attend designer duo Shantanu-Nikhil's Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) show.

Shantanu-Nikhil's show was attended by Bollywood celebrities like Urmila Matondkar and Shamita Shetty.

"Our collection is called Divonics and it is inspired by the super sexy woman of today, who takes centre stage and mesmerises with her iconic presence," Shantanu said.

Aimed at the cocktail evening wear, the Divonics collection was a blend of Indian vintage designs merged with contemporary silhouettes.

Bringing in a fluid look of causal, evening wear, which moved into formal glamour silhouettes as dresses, gowns, saris, jumpsuits, bodysuits, tops and skirts in the western genre, the Delhi-based designing duo offered a wide choice in the collection.

The fabrics selected ranged from handloom fabrics like matka silk, brocade and tussore to sheer chiffon, silks and jerseys.

The colour palette was a line-up of rustic hues of grey, chocolate, beige and black, while the silhouettes were either structured or draped to create feminine ensembles.

Debarun

VJ-turned actor Aditya Roy Kapoor, known for his frizzy hair, chopped his locks before walking the ramp for designer Debarun at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW).

"I had that hair for three years, so I chopped it. Also, I feel as an actor, I don't want to get stereotyped into having just one look and playing just one kind of a character. I want to experiment with my looks and I've taken the first step," Kapoor, who starred in Action Replayy and Guzaarish, said.

"I was quite nervous before walking the ramp. I had sweaty palms, but I was very comfortable in what I was wearing. The best part was that I got to wear chappals [slippers]. I'm not allowed to wear them at most places. And I got to wear them on the ramp," he added.

When asked why he roped in the young actor for his show, Debarun said: "I love his acting. He is someone who I feel will get into films that make sense. I like him, especially his work in Guzaarish. Also, he is an attractive man and looks good on the ramp."

Does he feel celebrities' presence is important at fashion shows?

"It's important because it's basically for publicity and marketing... that's the truth. Lots of designers say that celebrities presence take away the attention from the clothes, but then all the designers want to give their clothes for the red carpet. Then why is that?

"Celebrities are the people who are there in the media so if you want your clothes to be seen, it is a good medium and everyone does it," he said.

For the show, Debarun designed his collection, named Opulent and Chaste, in off-white and gold.

"My inspiration for the collection comes from a small love story that my brother has written. It's a tragic love story. It's called Opulent and Chaste: Two sides of the spectrum. One is obviously opulent and one is very basic and rugged. That's why the choice of fabric is off-white cotton and the collection also has gold," he revealed.

"I have kept the whole silhouette Indian, it's very saleable. Businesswise it makes sense to make this kind of a collection. I have two spectrums of the collection— one is a commercial range and other, which I showcased at the ramp, " he added.

Rajat K. Tangi

Once Upon A Time in Mumbai was told from the viewpoint of a police officer played by Randeep Hooda. But the actor says he has not been approached by director Milan Luthria for the sequel to the crime thriller.

"I am not sure I am in the sequel or not because I haven't been approached as yet. I haven't seen the script, so I don't know what's going on. I am talking to Milan on and off ...what I know, nothing is concrete in terms of casting. I have not been approached," Hooda said on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week.

The 34-year-old Randeep Hooda was the showstopper for designer Rajat K. Tangi, who is also his stylist.

"Rajat is styling me for three-four years now. I always like what is comfortable, fits you well and what's right for you more than anything else. And of course, he knows what's latest so you kind of trust him," said the actor.

Tangi showcased his Bella Dona collection, which included fitted dresses, gowns and jackets featuring exquisite detailing through hand-made jewelled embroidery.

In the menswear range, there were shirts, trousers and shorts and suits, with some having renaissance paintings printed on them.

"What I like about Rajat that he takes the measurements and works on it. When you finally wear it, it feels like a second skin. All his lines are very wearable," said Hooda.

Siddartha Tytler

Designer Siddartha Tytler made his debut at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) with a collection inspired by metals.

Tytler's show was attended by Bollywood celebrities such as Mukul Dev and Sonali Bendre.

"The collection was basically called Metalosophy. There were metal elements used in every single piece. Either the thread, colours, sequins, anything. It was a fun collection," Tytler said.

"It took a lot of energy and effort because this is my first ever show in Mumbai. So we had to pull it off flawlessly and I think we did that," he added.

Sensuous jersey, French chiffon, embellished georgette, silk, duchess satin were transformed into dresses, gowns, tops, jackets, kaftans, minis and shirts.

Metal mosaic, a fusion of metallic shaped crystals, chains, crystal mesh and embroidery formed patterns to resemble parts of a machine on the garments.

The collection was divided into two segments — white and black.

Digital prints on grey chiffon appeared for gowns and draped cocktail dresses.

Anita Dongre

The cast and crew of I Am turned out for designer Anita Dongre, who had designed for the film, at the Lakme Fashion Show on Sunday.

"We are all here to be with Anita to celebrate Anita's fashion show as she is the designer of the film,' said Onir, the film's director.

Juhi Chawla, Purab Kohli and Sanjay Suri were among the members of the cast present at the show, dressed in a black T-shirt that sported the words "I Am".

The collection titled Love & Life is an offering to a woman in love.

"My line is a spring-summer line. It's set for a woman to wear in any occasion for the coming summer. The idea was how a woman in love would dress."

Dongre presented an entire range of Indian silhouettes created in beautiful poetic weaves from Benaras.

The colour palette started with a dash of soft rose pink, powder blue and pale yellow.

"These are very Anita Dongre colours and people in India love white, cream and pink in summer," the designer said.