Stylish dresses, trendy tees and fun accessories are waiting for residents at Patna Women's College whose students have put up a fashion exhibition on campus.

Sarita Rohatgi, a retired principal of Government Women's College, inaugurated the exhibition on Friday. Students of the college's fashion designing department have organised the event. It will conclude on Sunday. Twenty students have put up the exhibition with the help of their faculty members.

Rohatgi, the chief guest, wished all the girls well in their endeavour to become fashion designers. She told the girls: "Without a doubt, many of you would become designers of national and international repute in the days to come. But now, I am overwhelmed by your confidence and talent."

Her commendation was not far off the mark. The Patna Women's College students designed T-shirts and dresses, artistic accessories and home décor items. Residents with an eye for the latest fashion chose what they liked and placed advance orders. By the end of Friday, the girls had received at least 30 orders.

On offer at the exhibition till Sunday are elegant kurtis and knee- and full-length dresses with a touch of the state's heritage. For instance, there are cotton and synthetic dresses with Madhubani, Ajanta, tribal and block prints and kurtas with zari work. Bridal collections and accessories such as baby bed sheets, table covers, cellphone covers, designer bags and shoes are also available.

Seema Singh, one of the visitors on Friday, said: "It was hard for me to choose because everything was so beautiful. Finally, I picked three Madhubani scarves, a block-print cellphone cover and a few embroidered kurtis."

Head of department, fashion designing, Shemushi Ityalam Madhu said: "Once this exhibition ends, the students will put up their goods at the Mahila Udyog Mela to be inaugurated on February 19. I expect the girls to get a good response there too."

Pooja, one of the students, was excited at the opportunities at hand. "In my designs, I incorporated all that I learnt during the year-long course. It took me a month to create my clothes. I had a great time coming up with the designs and choosing the fabric. I plan to open my own boutique."

The college principal, Sister Marie Jessie, is a steady source of encouragement for girls like Pooja. She said: "We wanted the students to gain practical knowledge of organising such fashion exhibitions on their own. I am happy with their show."