One thing is for sure--Manish Malhotra knows how to get everyone’s attention. The designer showed his collection on the third day of the HDIL Couture Week, right after the bafflingly creative Varun Bahl and he still managed to get the bigger share of the media pie. The clothes were what one has come to expect from a Malhotra collection-- safe. The designer showed yet another bridal collection replete with flowing lehengas, skimpy cholis and loads of glitter, although we did like the delicate chiffon saris paired with pleated underskirts and the collection of men’s sherwanis in velvet. Malhotra’s trump card was, of course, the much publicised preview of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s nuptials. But it does make us wonder: why give showstopper Kapoor a drab, dusty rose lehenga to wear instead of one of the more elegant saris? And we did notice the few stray threads and pearls that dropped off the clothes, not to mention the large tassle. A little more attention to the finishing next time, Manish?

ICW may have had a slightly low-key beginning, but the party was in full swing on the third day. FDCI president Sunil Sethi played the genial, if slightly overwhelmed, host to a positive array of celebrities. Bollywood was represented by Priyanka Chopra (sporting a new hairstyle, but the same old mini dress), Sridevi and Kajol (both wearing Malhotra outfits), Imran Khan, Dia Mirza, Ameesha Patel, Raveena Tandon and Uday Chopra.

The star of the day for us, however, was Bahl, who showed one of the most breathtaking collections we’ve seen in sometime. 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. And full marks to accessory genius Shilpa Chavan aka Little Shilpa for the jawdropping beauty of the hats, mounted with peacock feathers, orchids and folding fans.