Pure, electric, sensual brilliance - the LIFW finale!

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-family:="" times="" new="" roman="" class="author">HARMEET BAJAJ</span><br />NEW DELHI: The Fashion Week drew to a close with a trend statement by Lakme at the grand finale. Designers Rajesh Pratap Singh, Monisha Jaising and Suneet Varma were called upon to present their interpretation of Lakme’s trend forecasts.<br />Rajesh Pratap Singh presented pure brilliance in silver and techno whites, using leather, raffia, organza and lurex on knits.His collection proved, once again, his complete command over style, perfect construction, and good design. Rajesh used raffia extensively for trims, base fabric as well as embellishment — a definite trend for Summer 2003.<br />Monisha Jaising interpreted electric brilliance in her metal sequin kurta-shirts, hot pants, crystal-embellished stockings, Chantilley lace pants and sepia photographic print shirts. Her collection was for the hip, sexy woman. The football collection, inspired by Bend It Like Beckham, was fun and electric in its brilliance with the use of Swarovski crystal.<br />Suneet Varma presented a kaleidoscopic collection of brightly coloured fabrics, sombre dyes, mirror work and three-dimensional sequin embroidery with cut work. But the collection, a collage of influences and techniques, did not make as strong a statement.<br />LIFW ended with the entire fraternity getting together to celebrate at the Lakme party. They were all there — designers, models, the media, buyers and sponsors — to bid adieu to seven days of hysteria and make a resolve to make this event even bigger next year.<br />With inputs from Anjali Kalia and Nitasha Gaurav<br />(Harmeet Bajaj is chairperson, fashion communication, NIFT) </div> </div>