Readers of this blog know of my slight partiality to Manav Gangwani. He is one of the leading young Indian designers and the last word in all things sparkly and provocative.
Attending his show at Delhi Couture Week 2011 was an experience in itself. While most other designers were happy with a bit of stage dressing - Manav went to great lengths to create an elaborate set that executed his vision of a 'Timeless affair'.
The revolving wheels of time, the zodiac as a back drop, levers suspended from the ceiling - it really set the stage and the bar for a special evening.
His celebrity friends and supporters were very visible and vocal - the really dapper and debonair actor Rahul Khanna in a three piece suit, glamourous singer Sophie Choudry wearing a Manav Gangwani sari, jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali in a daring backless dress, Manav's best buddy and rather handsome actor Zayed Khan, Fardeen Khan with his lovely wife Natasha, actress Raveena Tandon and the petite actress Soha Ali Khan all cheered enthusiastically from the front row.
Sitting next to me was Suhel Seth (it was, rather surprisingly, his first fashion show attendance) flanked by Robert Vadra. All-in-all the front row was packed with high voltage star power. (Have I mentioned how good Rahul Khanna looked?)
Coming to the clothes - Swarovski crystals are Manav's signature embellishment and there were plenty of them in sight. Lavishly sprinkled over impressive, ambitious silhouettes - he pushed the envelope and stood true to the 'couture' test. It was not a practical collection - maybe a few pieces can be worn of the ramp - but then couture never is. It was a flight of fantasy and imagination.
The construction, the flamboyance and the sheer confidence with which the garments were designed marked the coming to age of Manav Gangwani. The palette ranged from from pale whites to sumptuous yellows leading to flaming orange.
The collection is obviously priced at levels that will give check to most clients but all the Swarovski glitter that makes such a statement does not come cheap.
One elaborate yellow sari that caught my fancy was sold out minutes after the show - so there is clearly a demand and Manav - the consummate businessman understands it better than most.
The setting...
The sari that caught my eye...
Elaborate garments...
Provocative statements...
Take a bow… what a show!


