Sexy, hot, glamorous: Rohit Bal at LFW finale

The master couturier, Rohit Bal presented his grand finale show in a manner that no one else has done before. Photographs: Hitesh Harisinghani

It was the show that was to conclude Lakme Fashion Week.

Unless you're a guest, chances are you aren't exactly looking forward to the final show on the final day -- believe us five days of constant fashion does that to you.

What's more, traditionally the grand finale shows never to start on time.

Some have been known to start at least two hours behind schedule leaving journalists and guests wanting to have it over with.

So this year when we were assured that Rohit Bal's grand finale show would start 'sharp at 9', many of us chuckled in response.

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Of course it didn't start on time but the wait wasn't as agonising as some of the previous years.

About 20 minutes behind schedule, we were let in and the show started about 40 minutes behind schedule, which by any means is no mean achievement.

One of the reasons of course was that the show was held outdoors -- on the lawns of Grand Hyatt, Mumbai -- and the state embargo on playing music meant that Bal and co had to shut shop before a certain time.

Bal's finale was a mind blowing collection inspired by Lakme Absolute Fast & Fabulous and was magnificent and opulent to say the least.

Pristine ivory pillars served as a backdrop for stunning models that walked down the ramp in mesmerising creations in a selection of elegant fabrics, colours and silhouettes.

Five carved white cones lined the ramp while numerous hung from the branches of the trees surrounding the lawns.

The show opened with Silver Strings -- a spirited trio of beautiful ladies, who enthralled the audience with their virtuosity on the violins.

As the lights came on, the five cones rose to reveal statuesque models in diaphanous creations, while the melodious music of the live orchestra above the stage provided haunting melodies during the show.

The collection called 'Kaarigari' featured the classic cuts and intricate designs by Rohit Bal that represented the modern Indian woman who stands true to her roots yet lives an international lifestyle and looks glamorous every day.

The line defied imagination, its craftsmanship unbelievable.

Amazing designs with cord and cutwork revealed a line of long floor hugging full flared creations with stunning embroidery and overlapping appliqued circles.

Starting with ivory, Rohit moved to darker shades of beige and brown and then on to muted hues like maroon, wine, cobalt, red, purple and showered the long luxurious coats, capes, kalidaar kurtas, shrugs and gowns with crystal, resham and zari embroidery.

The motifs ranged from swirling birds to peacocks and geometric designs; while the knitted and woven creations came seamlessly together some with thread manipulation to form a full garment.

Each ensemble, quite like this one, was a poem in fabrics.

Bal seemed to have heard our plea to get Sheetal Mallar on the ramp as the stunning supermodel closed the show.

Rohit Bal took to the ramp, walking out not from the aisles, but rather from the photographers' pit, taking a bow in his trademark flourish.