The third and final and the most breathtaking collection were that of drapes.Exquisite bridal-wear saris with floral motifs and petals as if are marking theonset of the mellow spring season. What was your inspiration for such a lovelycollection? "For the first one it was the care a damn kind of Indian girlthat exudes power to me. The second personifies the character of the modernIndian woman who has adapted to the western lifestyle, yet is deeply rooted toIndian culture and ethos. The drapes are solely inspired from the cuts andsilhouettes of the 16th century Indian empresses, they are my attempt to make abride’s dream come true", elaborates Archana tirelessly.At the end of itall, Archana had not one but two show stoppers- Geeta wearing a black deep backblouse under a sliver embellished sari and Mahima Choudhry sporting a shortblack dress and a Georgio Armani Prive.

Armani’s Prive collection at Paris used Rajasthan chic but eschewed theregion’s traditional bright hues, models instead emerging on the catwalk inslate, cream, and pearl grey. Skirt suits, cocktail dresses, and evening gownswere restrained, their tapered lines embellished with Taj Mahal-meets-Art Decojewels and minimal draping around cinched waists; coquettish turbans and beretsevoked a feel of 1930s glamor.

Maharaja-style tunics, with folded peplums, in pale gold and grey brocade wereworn with skinny trousers, rouched at the ankle. Suits featured jacketsembellished with a silver scimitar which formed one side of the lapel and endedin a be-jeweled handle protruding over one shoulder. The scimitar effect wasalso used on one-shoulder gowns. Though the showing was heavy on daywear, therewere some red carpet ensembles, including a full-skirted cream organza gownwith a fringed bodice and diamante trim. Elsewhere, Armani integrated elementsof his Prive jewellery line, using semi-precious stones to form high collars onthe jackets and to embellish the straps of column dresses.

The collection was showcased in of Modern Art, which had been transformed intoa semi-circular theatre for 600 guests, and a black PVC catwalk snaked past theguests. Leading the Red Carpet contingent were Oscar-nominee Cate Blanchett (inan Armani trouser suit), Lady Helen Taylor (in a plunging L.B.D., also byArmani), and Katie Holmes (in a one-shouldered chiffon gown in paletournmaline). Following the show, guests proceeded to dinner where mirroredtables were set amidst mirrored columns. The menu included an entre of creamedcauliflower with crabmeat and caviar, followed by risotto with truffles.