September 19, 2008 - The paraphernalia and the rest of the arrangements may not be as grand as one would have expected for an event such as this, but India’s very first Couture Week did kick off with something which I expected to see on the runway — depiction of the country’s “craft and heritage!”

It seems that heavy rain played havoc on the past few days as preparations were on. Unfortunately, when I walked into the foyer of the venue of the HDIL India Couture Week, the look itself proved to be rather mediocre. All it had was colourful tassels reminiscent of a countryside festival hanging from the ceiling.

The dented grills of the makeshift air-condition duct on the wall looked very old with the paint coming off. Once inside the main show area, the hall looked like that of any other fashion week, with black walls and ceiling. And the first showing by designer Ritu Kumar lacked punch in terms of her presentation for an opening couture show.

The music was slow and the models walked at a snail’s pace, but the backdrop of a fort with a sky that kept changing was a saving grace. No doubt, when it comes to attire for festive seasons, especially saris, one can really count on Ritu for some of the best creations in the business.

And she did come up with traditional Indian silhouettes packed with surface details. At the same time, she mixed it with some interesting Western silhouettes (her jackets and some gowns were particularly nice). While sari and stilettos made for a sexy combination, one model also appeared in an evening gown in flat footwear.

I am not very sure whether that looked nice. The opening party at China House at the host hotel Grand Hyatt, I must say, was one of the best — probably the best — fashion week parties I have attended. After all, how many times do you get to see Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, Karan Johar, Anil Kapoor, Twinkle Khanna and Ramesh Sippy at a fashion party? The inimitable Natasha Poonawala is a delight to look at always. I think she epitomises style.

Adding to the glamour was a bevy of models, designers and all who love fashion.