A minty fresh end to LIFW

The Grand Finale left a lingering taste of freshness with the crowds. IFW rookie eyes Angelina Jolie!

The Grand Finale of the Lakme India Fashion Week 2005 left a lingering taste of freshness with the crowds, despite having started almost an hour late.

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The creme-de-la-creme of society like Vijay Amritraj, Mahesh Bhupati, Ritu Beri, Faiza Sami, Sunil Mittal, Ramona Garware, Shobhana Bhartia, the Tahilianis - all made the show a spectacular event. Dressed up to the nines, they all look as fresh and spicy as Peppermint - the tangy herb of choice used to symbolise the look for the summer, and the theme of the show.

First came 'Mint' by Varun Bahl. It was not only refreshing in terms of the theme, but also in the way he interpreted it. Instead of resorting to OTT (over the top) neon pinks and wild clothing, Bahl chose to use the mint leaf and it's soft colours instead.

There was a definite Parisian feel to the show. "I tried to keep it very youthful but mature at the same time," Bahl said. The feminine garments had a poetic touch to them. The silhouettes were very fluid and body conscious. Knee length skirts in chiffon with mint leaf motifs were paired with cotton blend tank tops with soft tulle translucent jackets.

Cord stoles around the neck looked hip and the applique work with beads lent the collection a soft glamorous look.

While Varun Bahl chose the soft and demure look, Monisha Jaisingh's interpretation of 'Pepper' was rather sexy and spicy. "My clothes are for the modern woman who has an Indian soul - pretty much how Lakme is too," said Jaisingh. Spoken like a true endorser!

Jaisingh combined fabrics like brocade with satin and cotton to create a stunning line of sexy dresses. Spaghetti straps with loads of embellishments around the bustline. Yana Gupta looked particularly yummy in a pale pink chiffon dress with diamantes in a sunburst pattern all over it.

Tunics in spicy browns and cinnamon worn with skinny pants looked smashing. The look was very glamorous and sexy. At the same time, she introduced soft feminine elements like empire waist blouses.

But the showstoppers were the guest models who were not listed on the FDCI list of models. Sheetal Mallar was looking her fabulous self in an ecrue tunic with beaded appliqué work on the neckline worn with cigarette pants. Yana Gupta set the ramp ablaze with her 'come hither' looks and dangerous curves. Katrina Kaif looked very youthful in a satin shirtdress with a geometric print all over.

The designers were given the theme of the herbs by Lakme and asked to interpret in their own way. "We were fairly confident that Varun and Monisha would do justice to the theme and they did," said Anil Chopra Vice President, Lakme Lever.

Speaking on the theme for the show, Chopra said, "Peppermint is perfect for the summer because it's fresh and cool and leaves a spicy taste in your mouth!"

The show was a smashing success and ended the week on a spicy note.