Actors Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur walk the ramp for Manish Malhotra.

The curtains came down on the India Fashion Week in New Delhi on Sunday night, with the usual grandeur that accompanies a grand finale. Finale designer Manish Malhotra, predictably, lined up a star cast on the ramp — Urmila Matondkar, Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur — as well as an impressive collection markedly different from his all-white winter line unveiled in Mumbai earlier this year.

The finale flagged off with a dance performance by a duo that introduced the Sensuality theme. Urmila, pretty in a flowing pink skirt and fitted upper, opened the show. The actress did a super-filmi catwalk round, almost tripping on the skirt more than once.

Kareena, however, was in control of herself (and Shahid as well) as the couple rounded off the show, dressed to kill in all black. Kareena’s long flowing empire-line dress was complemented by Shahid’s black corduroy jacket teamed with black trousers and white shirt. “Black is the ultimate hue of sensuality. So after showing a whole lot of whites, salmons and reds, I decided to end the show with a touch of black,” Manish explained the final contrast to the rest of the colour palette.

Actress Urmila Matondkar strikes a pose in a Manish Malhotra creation

While Shahid admitted to being “very nervous” on the ramp, the confident Bebo thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the experience. “I loved the feeling of being on the ramp and did not want to get off it. But sadly, time was running out and it had to end,” smiled the actress.

“It’s always great to be dressed in Manish’s creations and it’s always great to walk the ramp for him,” gushed Urmila, who had last catwalked for the designer six years ago.

Models Jesse Randhawa and Monikangana flaunt outfits by Manish.

The high point of Manish’s spring-summer line was an English floral print in red and green on a white base. The print dominated most parts of the collection, coupled with a collage digital design. The Sensuality theme was presented through sheers and soft fabrics (chiffons, nets, satins, silks and jerseys), as well as the colour palette (salmon pinks, beiges, creams, nudes, cherry reds and more).

An array of dresses — long, short, empire-lines, skirts of all lengths — from floor-kissing ones to flared minis, knee-length pants, corsets, capris, summer jackets, swim wear and cocktail saris made up the collection. The men sported printed fitted tees, shirts and jackets with plain white trousers. Generous doses of embroidery, lacework, a touch of pleating, patchwork (on men’s jackets) and mirror work decorated the clothes. The collection was accessorised with broad embellished belts, big crocheted bags and long neckpieces.

The decor echoed the sensuality focus, with white satin drapes flowing across the show area. The crowd saw a sprinkle of star faces — Madhur Bhandarkar, Shekhar Suman, Amjad Ali Khan with wife Subhalakshmi and sons Amaan and Ayaan, and Shobhaa De.

Model Tupur Chatterjee flaunts a Ranna Gill outfit.

Earlier in the day, Suneet Varma unveiled a diffusion line inspired by African art and culture. The influence was portrayed through animal prints, tribal motifs, basic African colours and even some of the silhouettes. A combination of vegetable dye, patchwork, hand-embroidery, applique, prints and knits brought about an eclectic feel. Ivory, indigo, forest green and rust coloured the clothes. Tunics, wrap-tops, capes, a variety of dresses, skirts, trousers, kurtas and saris formed the line. Beads, wood, leather and cowrie shells embellished the garments. Chunky tribal jewellery and braided African hairdos completed the look.

“Africa bombards your senses. Nothing is quite what it seems at first sight and it is the spiritual significance and links with the past that capture the imagination,” said Suneet.

The show preceding Suneet’s — by designer Ranna Gill — also had a folk focus. The Asian Ikat and the Abr-Bundi craft by the Uzbek and Tadjek groups worked as the inspiration behind Ranna’s colourful line.

The line titled Ikat comprised popular dress silhouettes — kimono, wrapped, pinafore, pleated empire-line, peasant and gowns. There were skirts teamed with peasant blouses, jersey tops, tunics and day jackets with puffed sleeves. Ikat prints and extensive embroidery made up the look. Red, fuchsia, indigo, turquoise, green and more formed the vibrant palette. Fabrics were silks, cottons, jerseys, voiles, linens and blends.

A model showcases a Suneet Varma design.

Manoviraj Khosla didn’t manage to make much of an impact with his sexy line powered by biking. The women flaunted skirts, from minis to A-lines and tops, from bustiers to tees and blouses. The men walked in jackets, tees and shirts. Saffron, red, turquoise, green, lilac, rust, orange along with the black-and-white combo formed the palette. Textures with crinkling, shredding and rivets, applique, pin-tucks and multi-coloured floral embroidery described the look.

Anita Dongre had started the day with a patriotic line named India Rocks, which focussed on crafts techniques of India on western silhouettes. Blue pottery colours of Rajasthan as well as whites with tonal treatment coloured the line of cocktail dresses.