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Celebrities dominated Shabana Azmi's 'Mijwan: Sonnets in Fabric' showing on January 23, but for those who prefer fashion to famous faces, here is a better look at Manish Malhotra's collection.
There was a buzz for weeks over Bollywood's A-listers lending their time and their stunning selves to do a little catwalking for a good cause.
And when Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Ranbir Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty and 20 other bigwigs took to the ramp, the much-desired publicity went a long way in aiding Shabana Azmi's NGO, the Mijwan Welfare Society, which seeks to empower the girl child.
But since fashion shows at the end of the day are about, well, fashion, it's worth noting that there were also a lot of breathtaking creations on the runway that were not modelled by the rich and the famous. Manish Malhotra, who designed the collection, has adopted the village of Mijwan, Azmi's native village in Uttar Pradesh, for a whole year -- 45 young girls from there aided him in putting it all together, showcasing their chikankari skills in the bargain. Take a look.
First up we have Alesia Raut in a dramatic twirling ensemble with shining gold border and hints of embroidery along the neckline.
A deep maroon bodice in velour shows off rich threadwork and cascades into pale yellow and ivory.
Volume continues to rule the roost as a male model shows off floaty harems and an ethnic neckscarf for effect.
Who says see-through is sexy only on women? We give this crisp kurta a big thumbs up.
The designer gives this one a more pronounced ethnic look courtesy its many motifs -- circles, diamonds and stripes.
Gold and silver add sparkling touches to a kalidar with a stunning crimson underlay.
Candice Pinto struts her stuff in a gold bikini choli and ghagara, topped off with a sheer jacket and twinkling dupatta.
A straight-cut grey 'n' black jacket gets even jazzier courtesy blood-red dhoti pants.
Sometimes the right accessory is all it takes, as this heavily embroidered shawl goes to show.
Deepti Gujral preens for the flashbulbs in a backless kurta and ghagra with rich, earthy tones.
Floating out onto the ramp in emerald green and cream we have Surelee Joseph.
We love this chic number on Shruti Agarwal, particularly the dhoti pants with their impeccable fall.
If you've got a palate for bold hues that mix and match, this yellow-red combo should be right up your alley.
Feminine and ribbon-lined, a lovely lehenga is set off by a shimmering, long dupatta-like blouse.
And finally we have this bridal number, in nude, white and green-tinged gold -- it's all about making a statement!