Manav Gangwani has his pulse on what women want and how! Maybe thats why his front row glittered with Sophie Chaudhry, Raveena Tandon, Farah Ali Khan, Komal Wazir, Chatwal sisters Charu and Priya as well as the lovely Bhutanese queen Jetsun Pema in an all black one shoulder dress, revealing her petite frame, who made a fleeting appearance.
Manavs show was a shimmering tribute to a new-age woman who likes her glittery lehengas as much as her Anarkalis, shararas and gararas.
Monochromes were the highlight of the day as they sizzled on gowns, saris and body-hugging, floor-length and mini dresses. Crystals made a play on net veiled cocktail gowns, sequined bustiers were teamed up with lehengas and charcoal black velvet asymmetrical gowns held their own with panache on the catwalk. Ivory has emerged as a clear favourite and flared dresses worn with heavily sequined leggings, were Manavs highlights.
The black and white pairings were endearing, as velvet churidars gave company to mildly embroidered ivory tunics for men. Transparent shararas, lace saris with shiny borders, body accentuating dresses with cutwork sides or no sides at all, sometimes came with imposing bows placed at the back. Velvet sari bodies with neat sequined pleats, made Manav a hit among the ladies and despite the generous sprinkling of Swarovski, the finish was commendable.
The colour palette were two extremes—-black, ivory swiftly making way for bolder, eye-grabbing reds. Silks and satins ensured smoothness, while laces and tulle added delicacy and not to forget, dupions, which gave his line a chic edge. Aptly titled A Royal Affaire, the collection was a fitting tribute to the grandness and timelessness that couture guarantees.