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Varun Bahl's sensual geisha fantasy at Couture Week

Varun Bahl's spring collections have traditionally been subdued and dull. However, the line the designer showed on Day Three of the HDIL India Couture Week used some traditional Indian colours such as pink and green and set them to oriental designs. The saris and long flowing ghagras, for instance, were teamed with kimono-style tops, complete with elaborate hairdo and make-up.

While the show lasted for over 20 minutes, models walked slowly, working it up, letting audiences get a full view of the work on their ensembles.

The right fold

A model shows how a well-defined origami-style jacket can make all the difference.

All armed

Contrasting but complementary, a flowy ghagra emerges from a clean-lined top. Black -- not an auspicious colour amongst traditional Indians -- is contrasted against gold, a favourite at weddings.

Princess and the peacock

Yet again, a traditional Indian motif -- the peacock -- finds itself being contrasted against a plain Japanese kimono-style top.

Going green

Bahl used a lot of velour in this collection -- take for instance this floor-sweeping number.

Golden girl

Definitely one of the few designs that had far less 'merging of cultures' happening.

Nothing to be sari about

The designer goes the stunning route, with this heavily embroidered sari worn over a full-sleeved velour blouse.

Multi-hued beauty

And finally, we have this red, white and gold number, the defined waist giving way to a free-flowing sari lower down.