Manish Malhotra brings curtains down on LFW in style

Mumbai: Three giant wooden frames hung from the ceiling edged with hundreds of bulbs, a long glass ramp gleamed under the lights, the stage framed in ornate silver with long sheer curtains and a strong Bollywood presence - designer Manish Malhotra left no stone unturned to end the Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2011 with glitz, glamour and glitterati.

The grand finale show, which was inspired by Lakme`s new Absolute make-up line, displayed garments that were glamorous and sophisticated, with a soul that was Indian.

It saw an impressive line-up of stars gracing the first row, including Deepika Padukone, Imran Khan, Karan Johar, Karisma Kapoor, Amrita Arora, Shabana Azmi and Katrina Kaif.

Kareena Kapoor was the showstopper for the show, and sashayed down the ramp in a white layered lace, silk, net gown with a shimmer.

"I loved walking the ramp because I`m wearing an amazing outfit and the show is Manish`s, whose like family to me. So I was more than happy and confident. Manish is one of the best designers that we have. He has an amazing understanding of style. His sense of colour is so brilliant. He is truly a great talent," Kareena told reporters here.

Manish was too excited to have Kareena as his showstopper for the grand finale collection.

"Kareena is like a younger sister to me, so it was great having her as the showstopper for this show. Although she is an actor and has no experience of modeling but she walks the ramp like an expert. She is a timeless beauty, ethereal, modern and classic," he said.

Along with Kareena and Manish, others present at the show were also truly in a joyous mood. They even stepped on the ramp at the end of the show for a brief jig with the designer, the showstopper and the models.

Karan, Imran, Katrina, Karisma - all shook a leg to bring the event to a grand end.

"It was a fantastic show and I danced in the end because this show is very special to me. My best friend was showcasing his collection and my sister was walking the ramp, so I was very happy," Karisma said.

As far as the collection was concerned, the line showcased Indian and western creations comprising swirling panelled lehengas, cholis, saris and gowns. Silver and resham embroidery covered the ensembles.

Fabrics like lace, chiffon, silk, net, velvet in primary shades of white and candy floss pink were teamed with black, wine, gold, pale grey, metallics and cherry red were used for the line.

Men`s wear was formal with sherwanis, some with wide cuffs, long smock coats at times pleated or gathered - were at others times lean and layered over kurtas. The colour story was masculine with black grey, white and wine with a hint of fuchsia for collars and cuffs.

Hair & Care

You needn't spend hours grooming your hair or spend sleepless nights counting the number of hair strands on your pillow, nor spend hundreds at a salon every month. A smart hair cut (chosen with your lifestyle and personality in mind), 10 minutes of daily fuss-free grooming and some diet changes can promise you hair that looks chic. Here's some expert advice.

5 commandments

•Keep your hair clean. Shampoo every day if need be but remember to rinse it off carefully

•Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type. If in doubt, consult your hair stylist.

•Use a wide-toothed comb and comb the hair in parts. Don't comb from the roots downwards, but start from the strand ends and gradually move up, detangling the hair length.

•Experts now say that you try to should use a conditioner whenever you shampoo your hair. It's best to use a separate conditioner rather than a shampoo-plus-conditioner.

•Have plenty of fruits and water, and a vitamin E capsule for 15 days every month.

Long and curly

Choose it because: Long curls look great when layers grow out, allowing you enough time between trims.

Quick tip: When the hair is 80 percent dry, apply gel, hold a part of your hair and squeeze it with your hands. Scrunch all the hair in a similar way.

Great for: Curly and wavy hair.

Salon commitment: A trim every three months is enough to get rid of split ends.

Choose it because: The length flatters the neckline and the face-framing layers enhance facial features.

Long Straight Hair

Quick tip: Clasp the semi-dried hair with a clutch clip away from the face. When you take off the clip, this gives the hair a natural bounce.

Great for: All textures, but best for straight hair.

Salon commitment: Trim every 8-10 weeks and setting with heated rollers for special occasions.

Classic Bob

Choose it because: It's a wash-and-go style and so is easy to maintain. Add extra dimension to this sleek silhouette with highlights.

Quick tip: For an instant bounce, put your head down and brush down your hair.

Great for: Straight and wavy hair.

Salon commitment: A trim after your hair reaches the shoulders; highlights 3-4 times a year.

Blouse Gets A Retro Look

Remember the days when a blouse meant going to the nearest 'matching centre' to pick up rubia or cotton yardage to go with that new sari. Not any more. From being a mere supplement, blouses have gone glam with a vengeance with long sleeves, low backs, bows, strings, tassels and what have you.

In a recall to the high-fashion era of Sharmila Tagore and Hema Malini in the 1960s, trendy cholis in brocade, net and velvet, not-so-long-ago considered old-fashioned, are once again adding glamour to a woman's wardrobe.

Muzaffar Ali, known for his ethnic collections, said: "The new trend is long sleeves with a vintage or Victorian crossover look. Also, corset blouses with a variety in embroidery can add volume to the entire wardrobe. Blouses in fabrics like net, velvet and crepe playing with transparency on bright colours are perfect for Indian attire."

From designer studios to silver screen, the new trend is catching on. Priyanka Chopra was seen in a long sleeved blouse in 7 Khoon Maaf, while Deepika Padukone sported deep cut blouses with strings at the back in Aarakhsan.

Predicting more interesting traditional trends, ace designer J.J. Valaya said clean empire cuts (blouses with deep cuts in front) and keyhole necklines will make a huge comeback.

"The blouse is an integral part of the Indian psyche. Personally, I believe in sophistication, sensuality and simplicity. For me, clean empire cuts, keyhole necklines with deep backs can accentuate looks," he said.

Also, strapless blouses with a back knot and one shoulder beaded blouses, something that yesteryear diva Mumtaz was often seen wearing in her films, are some of the most in vogue styles.

"Blouses play a very important role, whether you want to look sexy, hot or classical. A lot has been introduced and tried in cholis to achieve the most sensuous look. Now women concentrate more on choosing the perfect blouse for the special occasion than they do the sari," designer Abdul Halder said.

A well-designed and properly stitched blouse can enhance the overall look of the sari or lehenga. Stylist Pam Mehta suggests that women should go for flattering cuts to enhance their overall look.

"Sensual and flattering cuts are in. The empire line could be embellished with cutwork and the sleeves could be short with accents of the embroidery from the sari. Low backs with intricate embroideries help highlight the saris and give a younger feel," she said.

"One should be aware of different aspects of blouse like fabric, colour, cut and designing to complete the attire and complement the look. Sleeves can add zing and oomph factor to a blouse. Round shape necklines are most common," she added.

Muzaffar Ali suggests minimal accessories if you are going in for an over-embellished blouse.

Most garments are very decadent and often over embellished. The wise thing would be is to downplay the added glitter of jewellery! Big pearls are a good add on. They go with most things and bring in an additional elegance factor," he said.