International designs dazzle on the Indian ramp

The Oxybleach India International Fashion Week 2009 commenced in Delhi yesterday, showcasing works from a host of international designers.

In the organisers' owns words, the event is "a travelling showcase of beauty, glamour, style, culture, grace, fashion and futuristic technology that is bound to gain India recognition, not only as the Gateway to Asia, but as a major, primary International Fashion destination." Towards this end, a number of highly reputed fashion houses from the United States, Australia, Norway, Tanzania, Spain, Israel, China, Peru, Pakistan, Dubai and India are showcasing their work at event, scheduled from December 3 to December 5.

The opening day saw three designers kickstart the fashion week: Ramon Gurillo of Spain, Tina Christina Haagensen from Norway and Indian duo Mona Lamba and Pali Sachdev of label Monapali. Take a look.

Gurillo opened the showings with sensual Spanish cutwork; rather than go with specific themes and season trends for each collection, he prefers to draw inspiration from his exposure to different cultures and the traditional craftsmanship of his hometown Valencia. Seen here is a peek-a-boo black mini worn over flesh-coloured bikini.

This next could do well for a beach cover-up -- sheer and crocheted fabrics come together for an added sexy effect.

Stand out in the crowd with this unusual little number in beige and white.

Gurillo gets back to black with this slinky dress, complete with flowing cutwork overcoat.

Up next were Norwegian Tina Haagensen's creations. Her showing was divided into three distinct lines: Dorothy goes to Japan, inspired by the movies The Wizard of Oz and Memoirs of a Geisha; All Those Memories, inspired by all things romantic, nostalgic and vintage; and The Little Disco Fairy Princess, inspired by the thought of a fairy princess who wants to be a disco queen(!).

In keeping with her themes, we saw a shift towards the sophisticated, the vintage and the very slightly quirky -- take this ensemble, for instance. Ladylike satin drapes becomingly over bright red leggings.

What's old is new -- a pale pink jumpsuit shows off a very retro sihouette and cut.

Go the conservative but stylish route in this below-the-knee chocolate velour outfit with cowl neck.

Oriental inspirations come to the fore with this floral satin cocktail.

The final showing by Monapali was inspired by the mix of opposites -- rawness and luxury. Tribal patterns, rich hues and beadwork came together with new silhouettes, radical cuts and fusion stylings. This gorgeous ghagra choli took our breath away.

Ethnicwear goes the sophisticated, world fashion way -- dig this blue and grey number, with its edgy strings of beads.

Here is a kaftan dress teamed with a voluminous overcoat in deep red for that casual Indian touch.

Go back to the '60s in this funky frock, complete with jhola and upturned hairdo!

And finally, we have another classy number by Monapali -- although we have to say, in this case, a little supporting innerwear is in order!