One thing is for sure—Manish Malhotra knows how to keep it safe. On the third day of the India Couture Week, right after the bafflingly creative Varun Bahl, Malhotra’s clothes were just what one would expect from him. Yet another bridal collection replete with flowing lehengas, skimpy cholis and lots of glitter, although we did like the delicate chiffon saris paired with pleated underskirts and the collection of men’s sherwanis in velvet which were delicately ornate. Malhotra’s trump card was, of course, the much publicised preview of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s nuptials. Whatever that means, because the couple just walked up and down the runway, completely out of sync with each other.

But it does make us wonder—why give showstopper Kapoor a drab, dusty rose lehenga to wear, that too without a dupatta? And we did notice the few stray threads and pearls that dropped off the clothes, not to mention a large tassle. A little more attention to the finishing next time, Manish?

The HDIL lounge was full of important guests and assorted hangers-on. FDCI president Sunil Sethi played the genial, if slightly overwhelmed, host to an array of celebrities not possible in Delhi. The VIP lounge was full to overflowing with Priyanka Chopra (new hairstyle, same-old mini), Sridevi (as radiant as a tube-light) and Kajol (in a Manish Malhotra outfit), Imran Khan, Dia Mirza, Ameesha Patel, Raveena Tandon and Uday Chopra.

The star of the day for all, however, was Varun Bahl, who showed one of the most breathtaking collections we’ve ever seen. The designer merged India’s love of bling with the minimalist sensibilities of Japan and came up with such wonderful creations as the lehenga with kimono top. Bahl combined the long, flowing sleeves and origami folds of the traditional Japanese dress with vibrant colours and orchid and phoenix motifs to come up with a seamless style. And full marks to accessories genius Shilpa Chavan, aka Little Shilpa, for the jaw-dropping beauty of the headgear, mounted with peacock feathers, orchids and folding fans.

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