(From top): Shabana Azmi shows off a Ritu Kumar outfit and models on the runway at the same show; Maharaja Gaj Singh II and Anu Malhotra at the release of The Maharaja of Jodhpur at the India Habitat Centre; a model in a Chanel outfit and a classic bracelet from the fashion house’s jewellery line

When the diva of design unveils her new line, it’s bound to draw the crowds. And so it was when Ritu Kumar displayed her Winter-Spring 2005-06 collection, Threads of the Indus in Mumbai recently. The show was hosted to raise funds for Women’s Cancer Initiative ? Tata Memorial Hospital, a foundation that socialite Devika Bhojwani has set up in association with Tata Memorial Hospital to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Kumar presented various lines starting with her young and contemporary brand, Label, with its variation of the kurta and layered skirts in handlooms, handblock prints and solid colours. The show then moved on to casual and semi-formal wear while the finale was reserved for the designer’s famed classic collection and bridalwear, which, with its new flat metallic look, recreated the aura of period costumes.

There was glamour on and off the ramp. This included a live performance by singer Raageshwari. Apart from models like Fleur Xavier showing off Kumar’s creations, also sashaying down the ramp in support of the cause were actors Diana Hayden, Neha Dhupia and Shama Sikandar. The star of the evening though, was Shabana Azmi, who looked stunning as she showed off a skirt and kurta ensemble by Kumar.

Among the guests present were Jackie Shroff, Sanjay and Zarine Khan, Kirron Kher, Zeenat Aman, Sangeeta Bijlani, Atulya and Sheetal Mafatlal, industrialist Dileep Piramal with wife Shalini, Lakm? CEO Anil Chopra and his wife Sabina, and jewellery designer Poonam Soni.

But while the celebs gushed over the clothes, they didn’t seem so forthcoming at the auction held at the end of the show to raise funds for the Women’s Cancer Initiative. Conducted by Mandira Bedi, on auction were an outfit from Ritu Kumar, a holiday at the Taj Maldives, premium cognac from Moet Hennessy, diamond jewellery by Nirmal Zaveri, and a silver objet d’art from Frazer & Haws’ Diwali collection

A royal legacy

Royalty is exclusive and that’s just the feeling that has been captured by director Anu Malhotra in a documentary film on Rajasthani royalty. Titled The Maharaja of Jodhpur, the 78-minute film documents the life of Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur. The film was screened and formally released at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi recently. Present on the occasion was Malhotra and Gaj Singh.

Referred to as Baapji, Gaj Singh calls it a “personal story”. The film tracks the story of a boy who had to be king and was crowned at the tender age of four. It takes the audience on a nostalgic trip through Gaj Singh’s stints at Eton and Oxford and his exuberant homecoming after 14 years. It also shows a king’s effort to salvage his inheritance ? his home, the largest art deco palace in the world, Umaid Bhawan Palace and the formidable Mehrangarh Fort, a repository of 500 years of his heritage.

“It takes about two days to go around Umaid Bhawan Palace, as it is so huge,” says Malhotra. Singh talked about his schemes of water harvesting and setting up health schemes for his home town, his ultimate aim being to “serve his people”.

The evening was rendered interesting with stories narrated by Malhotra of the palace ? of a man buried alive to bring prosperity to the ruling clan and a ghost in the cellars which demanded that the first night of every newly-wed bride should be dedicated to it.

The film has been showcased and feted in 10 International film festivals through 2004-2005. In fact, it opened the Miami Film Festival, 2004.

Chanel watch

It’s time to rejoice for women who have known luxury brand Chanel for its legendary tweed suit, the little black dress, the quilted handbag and of course Chanel No. 5 . The signature is in India ? officially. It announced itself with some 23 willowy models from across the globe, a haute couture line that had made waves in Paris in July, and a display of some of its extravagant products. After the soft opening of its boutique in Delhi’s elegant Imperial Hotel in March this year, last week Chanel gave Delhi’s glitterati a sneak preview of its luxurious wares that can now be picked up from across the counter. While the boutique has been in business with eyewear, garments, bags and cosmetics, the collection will now be boosted with its ‘complete’ range of cosmetics, fragrances, eyewear, watches and ready-to-wear lines.

The Imperial was converted into a lavish, though heavily guarded, setting for Chanel to display some dazzling diamond jewellery that has gone down in its books as masterpieces. An entire section was devoted to the No. 5, a scent that is as legendary as the signature itself.

And then the show itself: a 10-minute display of Chanel’s latest haute couture winter 2006 line was dominated by black and white in feminine silhouettes. Overcoats, pants, dresses, gowns and skirts paraded down the ramp in quick succession with hot pink being the only splash of colour. When the little black dress breezed in, a ripple went through the audience. Bhavna Sharma and Sapna Kumar were the only two Indian models who kept the flag flying for India.

The fashion fraternity came out in full strength to witness the Chanel India entry. Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Arora, Rohit Bal, Ritu Kumar, Narendra Kumar, Bina Ramani, Kavita Bhartia and Ranna Gill were spotted at the do. Also there were Sir V. S. Naipaul accompanied by wife Nadira, interior designers Naveen Ansal and Raseel Gujral, accessory designer Kalyani Chawla and author Namita Gokhale.

So what took Chanel so long tap the Indian market? Xavier Bertrand, general manager, India, explained, “The market is now ripe and the discerning Indian is looking out for the best in luxury brands.” Meanwhile having tested waters in Delhi the brand is actively looking at Mumbai to make a second stop. Bangalore too is on its agenda with smaller outlets selling its cosmetics and fragrances.

Photographs by Gajanan Dudhalkar, Prem Singh, Jagan Negi and Rupinder Sharma