Mix of colours, contrast and bling at WIFW

New Delhi: The Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) kickstarted here Saturday with a heady mix of colour, contrast and bling for the modern woman.

The first show of the day saw collections by female designers Nandita Basu, Malini Ramani and duo Gauri-Nainika. Unlike the past seasons, where the first show attracted fewer people, this edition has witnessed a large crowd. People were seen waiting outside the main show area (MSA). The venue at Pragati Maidan was decorated with mannequins and cartoon characters, installed to grab the eyeballs of those who were outside MSA. Gauri-Nainika, who are known for their feminine gowns, started the spring-summer 2012 edition of the fashion extravaganza, with creations in colours like red, purple, olive, plum and jade green. Model Sapna Kumar started the presentation with a Romper dress. Models then sashayed on the runway wearing high-waist jumpsuits, halter-neck jumpers, full-length skirts and even fish-cut gowns. "Inspired by the European fashion history, art, music, books, old Hollywood and red carpet glamour, we always go for extremely feminine and romantic design philosophy with styles that are luxurious and understated," said the designers post their show. Designer Nandita Basu`s collection followed next. Known for mixing Indian ethnic fashion with modern dresses, she stuck to her trademark this time too. Her collection was mix of hot pants, off-shoulder tops and short dresses. For a perfect fusion, she made her models wear bangles and maang-tikas - suggesting and out-of-the-box look for fashionistas. Malini Ramani too kept to her signature style by showcasing a blingy line named "Maximum Malini" - a collection of pretty and glamourous dresses. "My girl (prospective buyer) is super-confident, sexy, modern and lives life to the fullest. The collection consists of all my designs, which I have developed over the years," Ramani told reporters. Adding Bollywood presence to the first day first show was actor Rajeev Khandelwal looking relaxed in creme blazer and rugged jeans. Away from the ramp, he added star power to the first row. Asked about his fashion statement, Rajeev said: "Comfort is the best way to remain stylish and that`s what I always follow while dressing up." "I find myself the best looking and stylish person in Bollywood," he added. IANS