The Grand Finale of HDIL India Couture Week had ace designers Manish Malhotra and Rohit Bal showcasing their collections.

MANISH MALHOTRA: The grand finale kick-started with an intense feel to it as Manish Malhotra showcased his notable collection. A bridal-themed collection, it tried to capture the intimacy and emotional togetherness between a bride and her groom. In tune with the theme, the sets were therefore dreamy blue, full of shimmering mirror work and a romantic display of drapery and curtains. The music had a theatrical touch, with touchy music; what came in as an impressive surprise were the poetical snatches of dialogues delivered by Amitabh Bachchan.

With a very romantic touch, the long flowing gowns over the smallest of tops had an essence of languor and relaxation. Bikini tops with silver and gold shimmers dominated the show; interestingly halter-necks went as the choli for most ensembles. Bridal dresses of subtle color fabrics had mostly contrasting shades of embroidery such as golden-silver. Manish's collection's basic image was a minimal use of cloth for the top, and elaborate layering for the skirt, that made both the parts stand out among themselves.

Though Manish Malhotra had started the trend of having Bollywood celebrities walk the ramp for designers, he seemed to have got over it, for he said he will be his own show stopper, which he did become.

Also See: Manish Malhotra's collection

ROHIT BAL: What came as a welcome relief was a break from the overkill of bridal lehengas and sarees; Rohit Bal's collection was more experimental and whimsical. It was quite tough for the audience to name the dresses as they were neither traditional, nor purely western, except a few

nice flared knee-length skirts and a mini, that can be called purely western.

The show started with striking gowns in white that blended gently with darker shades taking their place. There were evening gowns with bandgala overcoats, embellishments of stiff puffed flowers on belts and sleeves. There was some use of fur that looked superb with velvet appliqué work. Layers, tassels and Elizabethan collars and skirts ruled the show. The hairstyle of all the models reminded one of Japanese touch, with some dresses even hinting at a kimono look. 

There were no celebrities walking the ramp for Rohit as well, but the lively designer brought in boxer Vijendra Singh, who he deems to be the real 'Singh is Kinng' as he made us proud at the Beijing Olympics. Vijendra walked the ramp wearing a velvet-embroidered sherwanis coupled with golden, glittery trousers, and even dhoti.

Also See: Rohit Bal's collection

Day 5: Varun Bahl & Tarun Tahiliani

Day 4: Anamika Khanna & Pallavi Jaikishan

Day 3: Manav Gangwani & Suneet Verma

Day 2: JJ Valaya & Ashish Soni

Day 1: Ritu Kumar