The Valentino high-fashion collection sashayed itself into A-list hearts, as the brand's signature red carpet creations stole the show, writes Shirin Mehta.

But then, this was Valentino on show. High-stepping, dresses cascaded down the startling white steps of the Asiatic Society's 200-year-old edifice, superbly red carpeted for the event. Spectators, already confused by blockaded roads and detours that led to the Horniman Circle garden, entered the burnished, wrought iron gates entwined with flowers for the event. They stepped through the matted garden path to the street across, laden with spectator chairs. This was Mumbai at its Colonial best, pillars polished to a sheen, fairy lights everywhere and chosen denizens in their best evening wear. This then, formed the stupendous venue for Valentino's haute couture collection, on show for the very first time in Mumbai and sponsored by the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI).

Dreamlike ensembles precariously manipulated the Asiatic Society's steps which converted into a formidable stage. Here was the best of creative Italy, blending subtly the classical with the very modern. In creations of pure femininity, the tie was given centre stage. Loaded with larger-than-life pearls and bead necklaces, gecko brooches and teamed with lace and frills, that bastion of masculinity gained new grounds of elegance. Long black dresses moved to the perfection of drape and flow. But, the startlers, as always with Valentino, remained his unmistakable signature red gowns which have become in themselves symbols of glamour. Franchised in 2002 to the Marzotto Group, a world leader in textile and clothing manufacture, the Valentino brand has lost none of its irresistible allure.

And what did Mumbai wear to the Valentino showing, an august one on the city's fashion calendar? The sari, naturally, always saves the day. Fashionista, Rita Dhody, on the other hand, clung in shapely manner to a Dolce and Gabbana creation. Actor, Hrithik Roshan, cocooned in a circle of bodyguards with 'Security' emblazoned on their backs, prevented us from inspecting his. Designer, Wendell Rodricks, wore, my guess is, Wendell Rodricks. Film producer, Smita Thackeray looked cool in a sequinned suit. And, we know for sure that there was one Valentino suit in the audience that night. Right, we checked it out. Hey Anish (Trivedi), looking good!