Designers go ethnic as fashion week draws to a close

Indian designer Rohit Bal (C) dances as Bollywood actors, Katrina Kaif (2nd L) and Ranbir Kapoor, (centre R) watch during Bal's Spring/Summer 2010 collection at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in New Delhi October 28, 2009.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Actors Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif walked the ramp in embellished ethnic wear while gold painted dancers brought the crowd to their feet as curtains fell on India's biggest fashion event.

Celebrity fashion designer Rohit Bal's grand finale collection aimed to recreate the grandeur of the Mughal era with rich velvets and handspun muslins on display.

The last day of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week had models sashaying in 'sherwanis' and 'saris' with peacock motifs on a glass ramp with metallic lotuses strewn underneath.

The dance group from Orissa, comprising daily wage labourers, performed "Dashavatar" - the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

"These guys are the star performers," Bal said as the crowd gave a rousing ovation to the dancers.

The self-taught dancers were noticed after winning a talent show on Indian TV. They were specially flown in from Orissa by Bal to perform at the grand finale.

Designers went traditional with Jaya Rathore, Jyotee Khaitan and Rohit Mittal showcasing saris, kurtis and sherwanis decked with heavy embroidery.