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Images: Sensual muses model Manish Malhotra

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
Alesia Raut for Manish Malhotra

Celebrities dominated Shabana Azmi's 'Mijwan: Sonnets in Fabric' showing on January 23, but for those who prefer fashion to famous faces, here is a better look at Manish Malhotra's collection.

There was a buzz for weeks over Bollywood's A-listers lending their time and their stunning selves to do a little catwalking for a good cause.

And when Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Ranbir Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty and 20 other bigwigs took to the ramp, the much-desired publicity went a long way in aiding Shabana Azmi's NGO, the Mijwan Welfare Society, which seeks to empower the girl child.

But since fashion shows at the end of the day are about, well, fashion, it's worth noting that there were also a lot of breathtaking creations on the runway that were not modelled by the rich and the famous. Manish Malhotra, who designed the collection, has adopted the village of Mijwan, Azmi's native village in Uttar Pradesh, for a whole year -- 45 young girls from there aided him in putting it all together, showcasing their chikankari skills in the bargain. Take a look.

First up we have Alesia Raut in a dramatic twirling ensemble with shining gold border and hints of embroidery along the neckline.

Rich feel, appeal

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
A Manish Malhotra creation

A deep maroon bodice in velour shows off rich threadwork and cascades into pale yellow and ivory.

Volume in vogue

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
A Manish Malhotra creation

Volume continues to rule the roost as a male model shows off floaty harems and an ethnic neckscarf for effect.

Sheer, crisp and clear

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
A Manish Malhotra creation

Who says see-through is sexy only on women? We give this crisp kurta a big thumbs up.

Indian edge

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
A Manish Malhotra creation

The designer gives this one a more pronounced ethnic look courtesy its many motifs -- circles, diamonds and stripes.

Wispy white

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
A Manish Malhotra creation

Gold and silver add sparkling touches to a kalidar with a stunning crimson underlay.

Princess pose

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
Candice Pinto for Manish Malhotra

Candice Pinto struts her stuff in a gold bikini choli and ghagara, topped off with a sheer jacket and twinkling dupatta.

Fitted funk

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
A Manish Malhotra creation

A straight-cut grey 'n' black jacket gets even jazzier courtesy blood-red dhoti pants.

Draping it right

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
A Manish Malhotra creation

Sometimes the right accessory is all it takes, as this heavily embroidered shawl goes to show.

Backless beauty

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
Deepti Gujral for Manish Malhotra

Deepti Gujral preens for the flashbulbs in a backless kurta and ghagra with rich, earthy tones.

Emerald elegance

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
Surelee Joseph for Manish Malhotra

Floating out onto the ramp in emerald green and cream we have Surelee Joseph.

Sophisticated style

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
Shruti Agarwal for Manish Malhotra

We love this chic number on Shruti Agarwal, particularly the dhoti pants with their impeccable fall.

Striking palette

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
A Manish Malhotra creation

If you've got a palate for bold hues that mix and match, this yellow-red combo should be right up your alley.

Red ribboned revery

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
A Manish Malhotra creation

Feminine and ribbon-lined, a lovely lehenga is set off by a shimmering, long dupatta-like blouse.

One-sided stunner

Last updated on: January 27, 2011 13:45 IST
A Manish Malhotra creation

And finally we have this bridal number, in nude, white and green-tinged gold -- it's all about making a statement!