[Gauri and Nainika]

The smooth caress of a slinky satin, the sculpted texture of a thready tweed, the rustle of a shot silk, the wavy motion of a crinkled chiffon, the sheer femininity of a tatted lace. Fabric doth define the goddess-woman.

HOW TO

Working in moderation can sometimes achieve the best results… a printed crêpe camisole with basic jeans, high heels and emerald hoops for a 'goddess-on-the-go' look, or, a voluminous georgette shift with your favourite battered leather jacket and patchwork satchel to be a 'shabby-chic-goddess'.

Be a goddess at work too, with chocolate brown herringbone jackets and cream linen trousers. Beaded beige pumps, a classic Bottega Veneta purse in crimson, stringy gold chains to finish and you are officially ready to dazzle!

Fur has been the biggest star of Fall 2004 international collections and its luxe appeal creates just the right touch of drama. Keep a shaggy stole (See page 117), or an evening clutch bordered with fur, close at hand. Faux fur only, a true diva doesn't turn her back on nature's creatures.

Adapt rich Indian fabrics like crushed tissues, jamevar jaals, embossed chanderis or South silks and use them to incorporate the goddess element in your home - sheer curtains, cut-ups to use as formal dinner napkins (baby size glass bangles or buckled pearl clips make unique napkin rings) or a yard-long throw for the leather sofa.

For the Indian silhouette, opt for a fabric from the West…maybe a ream of French lace as your evening sari, topped with kundan jhumkis, a skimpy, multi-coloured choli and hair swept up, Grace Kelly style.

Go for it: : Diana Hayden, Antara Mali, Mehr Jesia.

Collections: Shantanu and Nikhil, Priyadarshini Rao, Prada, Christian Lacroix.

[Escada]	[Louis Vuitton}