A star-shaped stage that spread out in front into a grey jigsaw puzzle design catwalk was the impressive decor of this grand jewellery show. A slender long tube of crystal strands was the glittering highlight on one side; while black and white backdrops on either side of the stage and a giant lotus suspended from the ceiling added to the grandeur of the venue. Queenie Singh, Raj Mahtani and Maheep Kapoor presented their jewellery collections on day 2 of the HDIL India Couture Week 2010.
Queenie Singh`s collection was grand and the ornaments had that distinct touch which Queenie Singh is noted for. Strands of jades or Basra pearls with gold medallions on them ending with tantalising tassels created great necklaces. Diamonds and emeralds sparkled under the ramp lights for stunning neck pieces. Pearl drops edged a gold chain, while a solid gold cuff with an intricate beaten design was eye catching, along with wrist bands in pearls and rubies and elegant brooches. Chains glistened with rubies and diamonds, while pearl cuffs rested on the wrists of the models. Thick gypsy earrings with diamonds, rings with large impressive precious stones or in striking floral design, a superb necklace designed with diamonds resembled the waves of the ocean, a choker with a giant emerald pendant and a velvet choker with a ruby floral centre piece were some of the eye catchers of the evening. Showstopper Malaika Arora Khan, glided down the ramp wearing an emerald and diamond necklace with a stunning pendant. Matching Queenie`s jewellery were gowns and togas in nude silk designed by Nandita Mahtani.
The title of Raj Mahtani`s jewellery collection was “Retro Mughal New York Chic” and the start was dramatic as giant lotuses from the ceiling descended onto the ramp surrounded by muscular bare torso-ed male models. The lotus rose up to the ceiling again and the show started with an amazing collection of bold and daring necklaces that almost resembled Elizabethan collars created from dazzling gold and drenched with uncut diamonds and pearls. Clusters of gems were bunched together for chokers, while tiaras created a regal look for the models. Long chains of pearls interspersed with large rubilites, gold wrist bands, moulded standup gold collars with pearl edging, gold woven mesh necklaces, cascades of diamonds, rubies and a bowl shaped necklace that rose from the shoulders of the model were unconventional jewellery pieces which could be termed as works of art. The showstopper was Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon who wore a triple haar, chokers and a hair piece in diamonds, emeralds and pearls.
Paying tribute to women, Maheep Kapoor`s jewellery collection was dedicated to celebrating the strong independent women of the city. So on the ramp were 11 of Mumbai`s ladies who have made a mark in their chosen fields. The show was opened by the Bollywood actor, Ayesha Takia displaying a beautiful delicate lacy diamond necklace. The list of impressive women included Natasha Khan wearing a diamond choker with circular design, Prerna Goel in a ruby and diamond necklace, Ira Dubey sporting an emerald and pearl choker and Deanne Pandey wearing a diamond and pearl necklace.
For newbie actress, Amrita Puri, it was a diamond and emerald neck piece while Dolly Sadhwani sported a pretty diamond creation. Grooming expert Rukshana Eisa wore diamonds too and event organiser Sharmila Khanna walked down the ramp with the dazzling gems around her neck. Bhavna Pandey looked great in a diamond chain with emerald pendant while show stopper Sonakshi Sinha ended the evening with a diamond and ruby choker that flowed down her neck.
The all -black line of dresses with sparkling belts were designed by Seema Khan to complement Maheep Kapoor`s jewellery line.