We need more international coverage: Malini

Malini Ramani wants to conquer the oceans. Or at least a small part of the beach. "My ultimate dream is to have beach shops in Miami, Sardinia and Ibiza," the spunky designer says.

Malini Ramani wants to conquer the oceans. Or at least a small part of the beach. "My ultimate dream is to have beach shops in Miami, Sardinia and Ibiza," the spunky designer says.

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She might not have hit the Atlantic or the Mediterranean yet, but she sure is making big waves in the Indian Ocean. With a shop in Goa and one coming up in Bali in July, Ramani has begun fulfilling her dream of owning five beach shops.

Meanwhile the response has been "fabulous" to her collection at the Lakme India Fashion Week 2005. "I've had an absolutely fabulous response to my collection from everyone - the media and the buyers," she said. The collection was a story involving three women - Maya the Bombay bohemian girl, Maria the shy carnival girl and Tara the spiritual swami girl.

Her personal favourite? "Maya is so me. I loved the colours and the look of her clothes," Ramani said. "It was something new I attempted this time," she added. The look, with it's understated elegance was definitely not trademark Ramani. Deep reds, blacks and beige dresses accessorised with pearl necklaces were quite a deviation for the diva. She usually sticks to neon pinks and greens and goes overboard with the "Rockstar meets Indian princess" theme.

Does this mean she doesn't care for the average Indian buyer? Not according to her. Ramani claims that she would love it if the average small-town woman walked to work in her creations.

Only, they can't afford, or even access her clothes.