Upping the glam stakes

Bollywood's finest put on their glad rags for the IIFA charity foundation Fashion Extravaganza.

The IIFA Charity Foundation Fashion Extravaganza green carpet saw the cream of Bollywood dress up. While Sushmita Sen and Shabana Azmi stood out in their costumes, Suzanne Khan dazzled in a red creation as she got ready to walk the ramp for the first time, and husband Hrithik Roshan looked dapper in his black suit. But what stood out was his locket, specially created by Khan's sister, gemologist and designer Farah Ali Khan. "The locket is made of diamonds and a single big solitaire sapphire and it represents a falcon with its wings spread," said Roshan.

Taking us through the paces of the show was Zayed Khan and Sophie Chowdhury. While the duo were regaling the 1,500-odd packed ballroom, backstage was a hub of nervous activity.

Khan sat with the make-up palette as her make-up artist decided to add some colour to her pale cheeks. After a few strokes of the blush and mascara, she was ready. Roshan and Khan walked the ramp for Farah Ali Khan to showcase her jewellery for IIFA, which was a first for the designer. Suzanne Khan said, "I wanted to wear something in contrast for the occasion and that's why I have chosen emeralds and diamonds to wear against my red outfit. And yes, Hrithik did tell me to take it easy for my first walk on the ramp with him."

Backstage

While Amitabh Bachchan stood out in his purple tie, son Abhishek - sans wife, Ash - decided to team his black suit and white shirt with a grey and white tie.

Rocky S used thirteen female models and four male models to showcase his ethnic wear, highlighted by little jhumkas at the end of each saree pallu and dupatta. His show-stopper was Bipasha Basu, who dazzled in a gold outfit, with just a head piece as jewellery to adorn her. With the neck and ears bare, Basu looked every man's dream bride as she sashayed across the ramp. With John Abraham missing in action, Rocky S gallantly said, "I will be Bips' saviour for the night should anyone try to run away with her."

Neha Dhupia walked for designers Falguni and Shane Peacock, and up until the final moment, Dhupia's outfit - and its 15-metre train - was being ironed out, with Dhupia bent awkwardly over a chair. However, when the actress followed Raima Sen, the rousing applause was sweet. Neha said, "The train is usually very difficult to manoeuvre, but since I have been part of the Miss India circuit, one of the first things you are taught is how to make the final pirouette while wearing such an outfit. Now I am a pro at this."

If Arjun Rampal took the award for the most suavely dressed man, Farhan Akhtar in his hat, jeans and sneakers took the cake for the most casually dressed. Fortunately, there were no fashion faux pas as Bollywood dressed up for the occasion.

The actresses skipped Indian wear to dress up in cocktail dresses for the green carpet. Kangana Ranaut chose the ultimate sexy dress, a little black number with gladiator heels. Keeping her company was Bipasha Basu in a sensational Rocky S net and lace black number. Sonam Kapoor and Anoushka Sharma also preferred it short and black.

Designer Manav Gangwani kick-started the show with his collection of Indian wear. His show stoppers were Diya Mirza, Dino Morea and R. Madhavan. While Mirza wore a white ghagra, Madhavan and Morea wore white sherwanis heavily embroidered in white silver work. Mirza exclaimed, "This is the prettiest ghagra I have ever worn. I doubt whether Manav will get it back from me." Although Gangwani looked cool in his post-show walk with his show stoppers, the designer was a bundle of nerves as he painstakingly oversaw each and every model before they took to the ramp.

Anamika Khanna had Sonam Kapoor as her show stopper. The designer gave us a peep as to how she wanted to see Kapoor as a bride. Kapoor described her outfit as, "The entire white outfit was encrusted in pearls and it has a hint of red running through it. I especially loved the white bangles, which married women wear. The skirt was short in the front while the back had a flowing skirt. The compliments are pouring in and I am elated."