The Lakme Fashion Week kicks off in Mumbai

The Lakme Fashion Week 2006 commenced today in Mumbai, amid much hype and some confusion. One last minute snag that caused much anxiety was the change of PR agencies from IPAN to Genesis. That blip past, and post the usual delays, the fashion set, journalists and international buyers strapped in for the crazy ride this week promises to be!

Day 1 saw the prêt lines of Mumbai designers Rocky S, Surily Goel and Manish Malhotra along with the show of waifish Delhi based designer Anshu Arora Sen for 'A Small Shop'.

Bollywood dominated the scene with stars wedged in the front row seats as well as on the ramp. With Surily Goel literally 'watching his back', Salman Khan strutted the ramp in a flashy red shirt and black suit emblazoned with the words "Royalty" at his back.

With model Shivani Kapur looking the icy pale Goth Bride by his side, Bollywood actor John Abraham strode down the ramp, a part of the show stopper for Rocky S. The duo were a vision of haute couture for what Lakme proposed was to be essentially a presentation of ready-to-wear clothing.

Oh well, John won the audience's appreciation.

Rocky explained: "John is a good friend. In all-women model show, we thought making a guy walk the ramp would make it look complete. So, at the end of the show, we have John walking in with Kapur."

Photo: Jewella C Miranda for Rediff.com

Spotlight: Anshu Arora Sen

Designer Anshu Arora Sen is known as the petite woman's designer, choosing to construct clothing with minimal seams and no zippers or mechanical fastenings, her clothes are often termed 'zen-like'. Having trained in Fashion Design at NIFT, Anshu started her label “A Small Shop” in 1998. Her collection currently retails in India, as well as in London and Brussels.

Collection Trademark: minimalist; vibrant colours; adventurous shapes, cuts and drapes; traditional Indian craft-inspired details e.g. drawstrings (her creations are devoid of zippers and fasteners!)

Drop by for reviews, trend spotlights and snatches of gossip as the event unfurls right here and swing around to Sifymax, for live webcasts of the shows.

Up Next:

• Rocky picks on 'Lolita' for inspiration.
• Deconstructing Surily's style statement.
• Get lyrical with Anshu Arora Sen.
  
• The reveal on Manish Malhotra's collection.