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Poll: India's leading women in fashion!
Today is Women's Day and we're marking the occasion with a series on India's women achievers across entertainment, business, sports, politics and fashion.
In the last of a five-part special, we're looking at the forerunners in the field of Indian fashion. Vote for your favourite!
Lakshmi Menon
She is India's most recognised face on the international fashion circuit and it's easy to see why. Sultry siren Lakshmi Menon has graced the runways of Paris, Milan and New York and worked with several big names like Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier and Hermes.
While most Indian models rarely meet with any success outside of the nation, Menon has edged out her competition on the world stage to create a name for herself. Born in Bangalore, this 28-year-old stunner began modelling in 2006; by 2007 she had already graced the cover of Vogue and by 2008 she was signed up by New York modelling agency Ford. Since then, it's been exclusive campaign after exclusive campaign and there's been no looking back for her.
Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.
Ritu Beri
If Lakshmi is the face of Indian modelling worldwide, Ritu Beri is certainly the face of Indian design and creativity.
After studying at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi, she became the first Asian designer to head French fashion house Scherrer. After launching her own label, she achieved even more recognition.
In addition to designing, Beri authored the fashion tome 101 Ways to Look Good and is part of NIFT's board of governors. She is also involved with the charity the Savera Association, which looks towards improving the lives of Indian women.
Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.
Moni Dutta
Her whole name is Monikangana, but she prefers to be known as just Moni in fashion circles.
This dusky beauty was discovered back in 2004 at the age of 21, the same year in which she bagged one of the top five spots in the French Metropolitan agency's 2003 Top Model Contest. Then came a year-long stint in Paris and today she is a perma-fixture on the Indian ramp.
In addition to her catwalk queen status, Dutta is all set to make her debut in Bollywood and backing her is acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who considers her his latest muse. While fashion is now a been-there, done-that field for her, will she reach even greater heights of success in the acting industry? That remains to be seen.
Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.
Ritu Kumar
Isn't it ironic that two of India's leading female designers go by the same moniker?
Ritu Kumar has seen a long, distinguished career in fashion -- 41 years, to be exact. She opened up India's first ever boutique in Delhi in 1967 and went on to build her work into an international brand. The late Princess Diana and Jemima Khan have been patrons of her work and she has also co-authored the book Costumes and Textiles of Royal India (1999), tracing the history of Indian textiles and art design.
Kumar is also one of the few designers whose creative focus has always been tuned to saving traditional Indian handicrafts and providing a livelihood for the artisans.
Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.
Lisa Haydon
Lisa is an Indian-Australian, but she has chosen to pursue a career in this country -- which, it would seem, has paid off bigtime for her.
The 24-year-old doe-eyed beauty is a very known face on the Indian fashion circuit and has been featured on the cover of several prestigious magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Elle. And besides her good looks, it's no surprise she lands plum assignments -- she's professionalism personified. You'll never catch her at see-and-be-seen parties, she's too busy working hard and then catching up on her beauty sleep!
Move on to the next slide and register your votes.
Cast your vote!
So which of these five ladies do you think has made the most outstanding contribution to the world of Indian fashion? Take your pick!