Niki Mahajan

Niki Mahajan's 'modern collection for autumn winter 2004' could have done without the Gothic hangover from the preceding Payal Jain show.

Niki Mahajan's 'modern collection for autumn winter 2004' could have done without the Gothic hangover from the preceding Payal Jain show. With the same models being used in both presentations, the punk-metal look was distinctly out-of-sync with the ultra feminine pastels and prints.

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Although the prêt collection had its moments - the art nouveau floral prints and an unusual colour palette largely influenced by nature (sand, rock, earth, stone and vegetation) - Mahajan failed to rise above mediocrity. The interplay of fabric, colour and prints that were supposed to form the basis of the garments, didn't quite live up to expectations.

The inexplicable use of padded bras also added to the disappointment. The unstructured look detracted from the flowing and flirty silhouettes seen in the other garments. Louis Vuitton look-alike bags could do little to salvage the show.