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The sigh of relief was audible almost as the last day of HDIL India Couture Week drew to a close, a remarkably high voltage, feel-good close though.

Compulsive party animals who just had to attend to be able to say they did, tired journos who had to do double duty to cover the week-long festivities, and the cameramen who had to brave odds to get their prey seemed lighter of mood as the lights dimmed on the final tableau of Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Imran Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Gauri Khan smiling to the camera, flanked by a bevy of hopeful young male models with their eyes trained on Bollywood.

Give it to her, Gauri sparkled, as much in personality, attitude and confidence as in the studded mini she wore for her entry. Holding her own on the ramp, it was one definite statement made by a star wife who is obviously much more than just that.
The star-studded front row was a statement of Bollywood solidarity, while at head ramp Arjun Rampal, Preity Zinta and others kept the adrenalin high for the show with their very vocal support.

Varun Bahl’s menswear line veered between must-have looks to the bordering on the humdrum, but luckily nothing really rankled. The high point of the evening was the collection by Monisha Jaising. Her first couture show, Monisha enlarged on a theme that had first been seen at the Lakme Fashion Week 10 years Show. The jewelled corset over flowing, sweeping, or draped gowns was a happy line that would be easy to wear anywhere.

Impeccable in her choice of silhouettes, and the contrast of plain with sparkle, Monisha kept to her signature of being a designer with taste and restraint. A couture line worth the show.And now the circus moves to the next arena, where 107 designers will gather to show their wares: some new, some old and tried and tested, and some recycled from earlier shows.

Maybe fewer showings, smaller collections, and more thought over what makes for a new look would ensure that the mils of fashion actually ensure that each designer has a show that compels attention and applause, instead of mere attendance.