Whiff of the Mediterranean

The kaftans and kilns on the catwalk with Moroccan lanterns may have reminded you of Mumbai-based designer Nandita Mehtani's show last year. But on Wednesday, Ranna Gill did manage to show her LIFW 2004 line before a packed audience.

The kaftans and kilns on the catwalk with Moroccan lanterns may have reminded you of Mumbai-based designer Nandita Mehtani's show last year. But on Wednesday, Ranna Gill did manage to show her LIFW 2004 line before a packed audience, and it was a refreshing change from the suddenly-gone-wrong Puja Nayyars and the unimaginative Payal Jains (who showed us export rejects this year), who seem to be designing for God knows who.

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Gill, an FIT New York graduate, created a mood that reflected ancient Moroccan homes and the interesting face painting the models donned revealed Egyptian inspiration. But what stood out was Amrapali's beaten gold jewellery with carnelians and turmelines, designed specially in keeping with Gill's philosophy.

Stretch skirts with animal prints, tassel belts, sandblasted pencil trousers, skirts with lace trimmings and tie-up gold sandals were just enough to get the fashionistas excited. "It is a contemporary, young collection that has a clubby feel to it. She has evolved as a designer," said designer Bobby Grover. While socialite Sema Jojodia, who came dressed in a Ranna Gill off-shoulder Egypt-inspired top, added that the mother of pearl work on her ornate kaftans was spectacular.

Mumbai based Art of Living instructor Rhea Pillai, a die-hard Gill fan, liked the layered asymmetrical skirts and appreciated the way the young designer drapes her clothes, to put together a distinct look. "She's good," was Verve publisher Anuradha Mahindra's parting shot.