We all love the movies. And once the movie is over, some of us think about it for a minute, an hour, a month and sometimes, if you are a designer, it takes a full collection, followed by many capsule collections, and you are still not over the fantasy of the film.

For designer Shantanu Goenka, Marie Antoinette was one such film. Fuelled with a visit to the Palace of Versailles and the desire to pay a tribute to the great Alexander McQueen, Marie Antoinette, the collection, was born. Unveiled at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week last October, the spring-summer 2012 line has now been extended to a pre-fall collection and will be showcased at 85 Lansdowne on Monday and Tuesday.

This is not the first time Shantanu has been enamoured by history and Hollywood. Some of his most acclaimed collections are Elizabeth’s Trunk, My Fair Lady and Royal Ascot, all full of fantasy and drama. “I love the grandeur,” he says. Grandeur he does love, whether he’s selling some of the city’s most expensive Swarovski-encrusted lehngas or closing a show with fashion’s ‘it’ chica Kangana Ranaut (in picture above with the designer at WIFW last year).

In this collection, the designer blends the boldness of Marie Antoinette with baroque elements of Versailles and signature McQueen silhouettes. All of these influences are reflected through the patterns, prints and colours, resulting in a collection that is theatrical and definitely dreamy. For the shelf, these pieces are made wearable by watering them down.

A hero of the line is the gown-meets-Anarkali, an ensemble that fits the modern Indian occasion where east meets west. Saris from the stable have got a new look. Embroidery takes a backseat to make space for prints, applique and lots of sex appeal. Apart from ensembles that are big on gold and small on crystals (“I am just taking a small break, crystals will be back with a bang soon”), the accessory story should be worth a watch. Bejewelled chokers, satin pumps, bow-tie neckpieces.… “Luxury lies in the details,” Shantanu signs off.

So you can be there at 85 Lansdowne on September 10 and 11 for a slice of France. Macaroons, tea, dramatic installations and, of course, a welcome addition to your festive wardrobe!