The Lakme India Fashion Week 2004 has all the glitz expected of such an event -- avant garde designers, leggy models and the who's who of the country in attendance.

But what do common folks think of the event?

Pawan Lakhawat, 25, a network engineer for International Management Group, feels fashion should definitely get recognition in India and there is a need for more such events.

"I would like to see the show, but don't get time because of my duty," he says. "I would love to see it because it gives me an idea about the latest fashion and colours. I like to wear trendy clothes. I do spend 20-30,000 on my clothes every year.

"Allen Solly, Monte Carlo and Peter England are my favourite brands.

"My favourite model is Katrina Kaif because she is amazing."

Dinesh Kumar, 25, a security supervisor at the venue, says such event should take place at least twice a year.

The best thing is it is good for business, he says.

His colleague Pramod Kumar would love to attend the shows to watch the models. His favourite is Upen Patel. "He is very handsome," says the 30-year-old.

Both of them say Rina Dhaka and Wendell Rodricks are their favourite designers.

"If I had a lot of money I would have come by a helicopter to watch the show and would have appointed two personal assistants," Pramod says in jest.

Photographs: Jewella C Miranda