Pooja Batra: Female showstopper for menswear line at VHMIW

New Delhi: Model-actress Pooja Batra walked the ramp as the showstopper for designer duo Rohit and Abhishek`s collection at the Van Heusen Mens India Week here today.

Wearing a wine coloured velvet jacket and leather pants, the actress famous for films like `Virasat` and `Kahin Pyar Na Ho Jaye`, sashayed down the ramp for the designer duo`s `Indian royalty`-inspired collection on the last day of three day extravaganza. "Its nice to be the female showstopper for a menswear line, because you are the only woman and the whole focus is on you," said Pooja. The collection consisted of jackets, trousers, Jodhpuris and Bandhgalas as worn by the modern royal families in India. "There is a similarity between the Victorian style and the modern-day royalty in India. The Indian inspiration is hot internationally and I wanted to promote brand India. Pooja is my princess, without whom every Maharaja is incomplete," said Rohit. "I love wearing Jodhpuris as they look good on me since I am tall. They are so smart. Also the resemblance between the Victorian and the Indian royalty is so exciting," said Pooja. The collection was in shades of brown, black and greys with fabrics like velvet, suede and leather. Rohit and Abhishek`s collection was followed by Smit Raj Gyanani, whose collection drew inspiration from Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. "I belong to Gwalior and I think Mr Scindia is a fantastic personality. My collection is inspired by his style," said the designer. His collection was also very Indian in its sensibilities, consisting of Kurtas, Pyjamas in linen silk and jackets in wool. All the models walking the ramp wore thick-rimmed specs. "This is my first show and I think mens fashion week is a very good platform to promote new designers. I have grown up admiring designers like Rohit Bal and Rajesh Pratap Singh," said Smit. The VHMIW which began on August 27 with Narendra Kumar`s collection will be come to an end with designer Rohit Bal`s show today. PTI