The collections were created by designer Asha Baxi (chairperson of the fashion department, National Institute of Fashion Technology) and Rajiv Goyal respectively. It was heartening to note that female executive adopted a new, more high-profile image, as wool took on stylish silhouettes.

Wool was also the main fabric used for their annual fashion presentation by the students of the Pearl Academy, New Delhi, who attempted to give it a new image. From jumpsuits to casual wear to cute baby doll dresses to tailored suits, it was all there. Showing its true colours, in more way than one.

Meanwhile, young designers from India and Britain were moving into the new millennium. At the Indo-British partnership initiative in Delhi in October, the Nottingham Trend University Fashion School, The Premlila Vithaldas Polytechnic, Bombay, the Pearl Academy and the National Institution of Fashion Technology, Delhi, gave their versions of fashion in the 21st century.

There were quirky silhouettes, daring styling and innovative use of materials like leather, plastic, tencel, jersey, silk and lurex. Inspired by themes as diverse as the Artful Dodger in Oliver, Rabari embroidery, the Khann fabric from Maharashtra and the English countryside, the garments moved from stark lines to ethnic ambience or even a fusion of both.

And now, to the written fashion. The only way to do it, says Norbert Platt, president and CEO, Mont Blanc International, is with a Mont Blanc pen. Especially since Mont Blanc products are now available in India through the company's exclusive showrooms.

"Of course, one can use a ball pen, a computer, e-mail, fax, telephone or telex, but when you write with a pen like the Mont Blanc, you really you care for the person. It is a status symbol that has endured the test of time. It's an expression of love," said Platt. An expensive expression, though, with Mont Blanc pens costing as little as Rs 5960 to as much as Rs 500,000. Watches start at Rs 100,000, briefcases at Rs 73,000 and executive organisers for Rs 12,000.

With the fashion season at its zenith, designers are stepping on each other's toes trying to get hold of the best models, the most creative choreographers and, above all, the richest sponsors. The latter are absolutely vital if they want to dazzle the audience with a perfect combination of glitz and glamour.

But things are hard on the money scene -- not everyone is lucky like top designer Tarun Tahiliani who had the Taj and Society backing him. While designers Manju and Bobby Grover got Vama (the store where they retail from in Bombay) to back their collections. Each of their five collections revealed the Grover speciality for embroidery on crepe, georgette, velvet and lace. Though extremely wearable, the price tag might prove a deterrent.

Ravi Bajaj, on the other hand, presented blue as his theme for the season. He called it the New Black. Yet, his favourite colour has not been abandoned. Black featured prominently in the formal wear round, with hints of white emerging in crucial places. This collection once again sported the Bajaj hallmark of detailing -- whether in fabric, colour, silhouette or style.