Meet the gypsy queens

CURTAINS DOWN ON LFW WINTER/FESTIVE 2010

And finally it was closing day of the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai with Delhi-based designer Malini Ramani bringing the curtains down with the grand finale. Firstly, the finale, which was scheduled to begin at 9.30 pm started at 10.30 pm. So, there were guests who were twiddling their thumbs in anticipation. Some even commented if this would even begin today or not. But then, we were all there inside the show area and the colourful show began with thumping beats.

PERFORMANCE TIME: The Audio/Visual clip had Malini come on-screen speaking about the universe, inspirations from nature, yoga benefits and more so, what lies within our hearts and soul - true happiness. It did look a bit like a comic script, where a person would be perched on a lotus and many lights would go revolving behind. So, here was Malini doing just that and announcing her collection's nomadic inspirations. And then amidst a burst of colours, models showcased the four seasonal looks by Lakme.

BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: The show showcased a collection with minis, tunics, one-shoulder outfits and kaftans. For the strong-willed, beautifully-built and aesthetically-inclined woman, Malini's clothes were impeccably- crafted. Different and bold is what I can call these designs.

In between the models line-up was a performance by a 7-feet tall African performer who did somersaults on the ramp and effortlessly moulded his body into garland links made with his arms and legs. The guy was super-flexible. But beyond a point, his writhing muscles and flexible joints started to get us to peak (err puke) point. Phew! in a moment it was done.

MALINI ARRIVES WITH THE FOUR FACES OF LAKME: And then came the end of the show when Malini's name was announced. She made an entry by being perched on the shoulders of this African performer. Who brought her down like one is descending from a huge tusker. Malini herself showed some yoga postures on the ramp, replete with a feathery outfit, floral tiara and jute wedges.
Malini and the four faces of Lakme including Amrit Maghera, Indrani Dasgupta, Lisa Haydon and new face Shraddha Kapoor (daughter of actor Shakti Kapoor) walked the ramp to take a bow.
The show had an international appeal beyond any doubt and I'm sure the firangs would've loved a finale like this. Since, we, the Indians have yoga sciences available at our backyard doorstep and kowri shells, beads and feathers littered near our jogging tracks, we often fail to see the merge between exoticism and dramaticism.
And so the verdict goes that Malini has a strong sensuous appeal in her designs. While many women may like it, few may feel daunted by its bold cuts. Sometimes, clothes can transform a personality, Malini's clothes are such.
　
Girl with the blue scarf says: The finale party opened my eyes in a way. When people got out of the grand finale party after a sumptuous meal, great bit of networking and more, there were wannabe invitees standing near the Grand Hyatt gates, who requested for the white wrist band (entry token for the party)so they could take a peek into the party themselves. I heard that the invitations to the grand finale show and party were mischievously sold for a fee. The LFW organisers were so worried about gatecrashers that they re-issued passes for the grand finale.