Mumbai, Sep 20 (IANS) This certainly was a fashion show with a difference. Models walked through a stylized garden into which the ramp had been converted, munched on confectionary, chatted and blew kisses at the audience as they showcased designer Pallavi Jaikishan’s collection at the HDIL India Couture Week here.This was the first full-fledged couture show for the designer, who was showcasing her collection after some 10-12 years.

Her theme “La Vie Est Belle” or “Life is Beautiful” was about celebrating a journey that started in Europe and ended in Rajasthan.

“With my line, I am celebrating life, its beauty and the colours associated with it,” Jaikishan said after the show here late Friday. The designer is the widow of Jaikishan of the famed Hindi film music composer duo Shankar-Jaikishan.

“This collection depicts the fruitful, happy and joyous journey of a beautiful life,” she added.

The collection consisted of lehngas and saris in shades of silver, gold, pale pinks, blues, and soft greens. Fabrics like tulle, lame, satin and lace were used and French tape, crystals and embroider petit point flowers were used for the embroidery.

The collection also had Jaikishan’s trademark flowers dominating every outfit in different shapes, sizes and colours.

“I am known for my flowers. Even if I try to, I can’t run away from them. They have given me an identity,” Jaikishan explained.

The collection was divided into two segments: European and Indian.

In the former, the designer showcased lehngas along the lines of ball gowns. And, instead of dupattas, there were stoles of different sizes and shapes.

The Indian collection comprised kalidar lehengas with dupattas and blouses, and bandhani saris with shimmering gota blended with French roses.

Commenting on the collection, film director Karan Johar said: “It was beautiful and the way she conceptualized the ramp walk was commendable.

“That was the USP of the show. It was different and innovative. This is what experience is all about. It makes you better and different.”