BEYOND THE RAMP: On the periphery

The very first day of the Week has seen a series of thefts. Kolkata-based fashion designer Shantanu Goenka, touted as one of the more promising debutants at the Week, lost his luggage and his wallet.

The Fashion Week, It's a steal

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The very first day of the Week has seen a series of thefts. Kolkata-based fashion designer Shantanu Goenka, touted as one of the more promising debutants at the Week, lost his luggage and his wallet in the green room. Last seen Goenka was clutching at his Louis Vuitton bag under The Grand's faux palm tree. Others struck by the theft attack include Mumbai model Rahul Jagtiani, who lost his mo bile phone. Haute ramp walker Shivani Kapur, found her £250-Hermes wallet and a £450-wrist watch missing after a fittings session. Designer duo Shane and Falguni Peacock lost a briefcase too. Somebody seems to have cleaned the green room well this time!

Fashion fever grips models

The rigours of fittings, rehearsals and make-up have taken their toll on some models. Shivani Sabhiki experienced her first asthmatic attack just a few days before the LIFW and was spotted in the hotel lobby with a bagful of drugs. Yet another model Monikangkana Dutta could manage to attend the Week after getting a shot from her doc for a suspected viral fever. But hey, the gals walked well on the runway and that's what counts, doesn't it?

Minimalism was Rina Dhaka's favoured mantra during the show, with gravity defying hemlines and plummeting necklines. But even Dhaka didn't anticipate that some of the foreign visitors to the Lakme India Fashion Week would be so inspired by her collection as to cavort around the show area clad in boxer shorts and a tee. As they say, less is more at the Fashion.

STALL CRAWL: Mandira has it all worked out

11.30 a.m. The Grand, venue of the LIFW was overflowing with people but the enclosure for designer stalls was only waking up.

Till the evening many stalls still had to open shop. However Mandira Wirk, was not just up and about since morning but her stall (no 65) was well taken care of. Called `MW2', Wirk's first attempt at prêt, she believes, is an extension of her couture line. Handpainted georgettes, Jaipuri and digital prints made most of her very wearable collection. Colourful gypsy skirts, kaftans, simple sarees with heavy blouses and evening dresses with a touch of coloured crystal were on display.

Wirk is also showcasing a few heavy garments for domestic buyers at her stall. "The response since morning has been fabulous," she says.

- Malvika Nanda