On Sept 3rd 2006, Payal Jain showcased her latest spring summer collection at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week '06.

While SONAL MANSINGH began the show with a splendid performance giving tribute to all women achievers, the models came with lit candles setting an apt mood for the theme.

In a world devoid of spiritual meaning and strong values, Payal Jain's collection christened "Omana" is an ode to the woman of today, who is multi-dimensional and modern with deep rooted ethics, values and beliefs. The woman of today is aware, evolved, mature and balanced. She enjoys her freedom while appreciating her responsibilities as well. She loves the old and lives the new. She is an emotional anchor, a fun loving partner, a nurturing parent and a successful and efficient leader. In a world of complexities and controversies, she has finally come of age and the collection is a salute to this modern woman. Holistically, 'Omana' reflects a certain kind of spirituality and serenity with an extraordinary sense of style and old world charm.

The look is romantic and folklore, historic and old world with a very chic edge to the classic silhouettes. The shapes are soft and fluid with neat & precise styles in a variety of yarns like linen, cotton and silk. The color palette is completely neutral and conveys a feeling of peace and tranquillity. Silk jacquard with cutwork, chord embroidery, appliqué, satin silk thread and creole work are complimented by muted colors, washed out with aged patterns and minimalistic forms. It is a season for clear neutrals with simple and sophisticated motifs in monochromatic tones. The surface ornamentation is subtle, simple and minimal. Delicacy and weightlessness are key features of this collection. Precious fabrics have been sculpted into dresses to set off the fragility and are teamed up with blouses and bodies to give it a contemporary sensibility.

This collection depicts simplicity and purity with a distinct minimalism. The simplicity of monochromatic colors and delicate shapes with romantic memories are an illusion to the past while this collection skims though time and speaks a global and timeless language. Old techniques of pigment painting from the 19th Century have been interpreted in a contemporary context in a broad spectrum of linen and silk dresses and skirts to suit the woman of today.

About Payal Jain
Sometimes, the deepest passion grows into a profession and that's when every moment becomes pure joy, love and light! Such is Payal's love for her work and her ensembles reflect the same spirit and energy. A strong foundation in neo-classical aesthetics coupled with an unparalleled standard of perfection in construction is the hallmark of all her silhouettes. With clean, clear silhouettes and an extraordinary sense of style, her design speak a global language.

With a unique and vibrant design sensibility, her belief is that fashion is a way of life. As Payal says, "Art is fashion and fashion, art. Fashion to me is an expression of one's own individuality, as any other form of art." With an extraordinary ability to apply her Indian sensibility to international trends, her art encompasses more than design. Payal seeks to have a universal appeal with her creations, taking cue from the timeless sensibility that fuses global infuences with modern Indian techniques and materials.