Neetu Singh lauds Manish Malhotra`s Kashmir-inspired show

New Delhi: He is known to bring star power onto the ramp but although designer Manish Malhotra`s show at the Wills Lifestyle Indian Fashion Week was devoid of a Bollywood showstopper, he managed to catch the attention of actress Neetu Singh Kapoor.

Occupying the front seat, the yesteryear beauty graced the designer`s show which displayed his autumn collection. The 52-year-old actress looked elegant in a beige and maroon kurta, which was a creation of the ace designer. "I am wearing a Manish Malhotra. I enjoyed the show completely. I think it was brilliant," said the actress. Malhotra, who is most popular among Bollywood celebs and has also designed for the likes of Micahel Jackson and Reese Witherspoon, focussed on chikankari work from Kashmir for his show. Malhotra, 46, who drew his inspiration on the particular art after working for the film `Rockstar` in Kashmir, said, "My label has adopted 45 women workers from the village of Mijwan for their chikankari work for a period of one year. This year the focus is to draw attention to regional crafts like chikankari and embroideries from Kashmir." The much awaited show took off with the male models sashaying down the ramp in bandhgalas and sherwanis in structured silhouettes worn with old world pants and salwars. The menswear was resplendent with rich textures of jute, tussar silk in greys, navy blues and black mixed along with autumn colours. The female models took to the ramp wearing long anarkalis and sarees which saw a mild colour like beige used in a mix and match way with maroon, red and browns. The designs also had a hint of net in its creations. The designer, who dressed many Bollywood beauties, wants to revive the old craft of the northern state. "I want to bring back the Chikankari work of Kashmir, which got lost somewhere. I have given it a touch of modernity for the wider mass," said Malhotra. When asked why Bollywood was missing in his show, the designer joked, "Why do you need stars.. I am the biggest star of Bollywood... Look at me!" PTI