Fashion is the heartbeat of any red carpet. And Bollywood beauties are not far behind when it comes to keeping track of the hottest trends.

This year saw a lot of ladies skip the classic sari to adorn elaborate designer gowns. From Bebo's glittery number to Kangna's rose pink glamour, 2011 saw a series of sparkling red carpet appearances.

Take a look at our favourites:

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

As a regular visitor of Cannes Film Festival, Ash hasn't made any notable fashion blunders in a while now.

On the contrary, the stunner basks in the romance of Elie Saab's marvelous designs in this intricate one-shouldered gown complimented by Chopard earrings and a Jimmy Choo clutch.

You have to possess the poise and stature of a super fit Deepika Padukone to make a statement in this elaborate albeit red-hot Gauri & Nainika number.

The Aarakshan star doubles up the glam quotient with those irresistibly scarlet lips and a sleek pony tail.

Sonakshi Sinha could easily give lessons on how to wear black in broad day light.

The Dabangg girl works up the wow factor of her sequined Diane von Furstenberg gown, accentuates her look with feminine touches like pinning a pretty flower in her bun and painting those perfectly manicured nails a shade of bright red.

Holy monochrome, just how lovely is Le Kapoor in this exquisite Jean Paul Gaultier tulle gown for her grand debut at Cannes?

The actress scores some huge points with her flawless hair/make-up/, lending a bit of edge with stark black nails, validating what makes her one of the best-dressed celebrities in the country.

While most stars blindly rely on a fancy outfit to make them look good, Kareena Kapoor personifies innate glamour.

Lending her brand of oomph and sleek elegance to this sequined Dolce & Gabbana creation, the 31-year-old shines her way to Ra.One's UK premiere.

What is not there to adore about Anushka playing a shimmering princess in a floor-sweeping Rachel Gilbert gown at the Dubai premiere of her last release, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl?

The actress prioritises understated elegance by going easy on the bling. 

Sporting old Hollywood-inspired side-swept hair, rose red lips and a dreamy pink Rajat Tangri creation, isn't Kangna a vision at this year's IIFA arrivals held in Toronto?

And since we are tired of documenting Vidya Balan playing it safe and repetitive in Sabyasachi saris, it was refreshing to see Katrina Kaif embrace desi chic in a French rose-hued Rocky S.

Especially love her demure draping style.

Easily one of Bollywood's most underrated fashionista, kudos to Ms Dhupia for always changing it up and rocking the red carpet with style and colour.

There's so much to appreciate about her appearance in this fabulous 'n' flowy yellow Atsu creation.

Whether it's Indian or western, the consistently well-turned out beauty impresses each and every time with her effortless sophistication.

DM is a picture of glamour and grace in this classy Rocky S black gown.