Rohit Bal dazzles on last night of Lakme Fashion Week

The grand finale of the Lakme Fashion Week tonight became a memorable event, unfolding in the open with a live orchestra and models playing violins.

The finale of the Summer/Resort 2012 edition was held for the first time on the lawns of a five-star hotel in suburban Mumbai, ending the five-day extravaganza. Designer Rohit Bal put up a scintillating show, with three models playing violin on the runway, and live orchestra behind the ramp.

Pristine ivory pillars served as a backdrop. The show began with five models standing under a huge cone-shaped prop which gently rose to the top. The collection was a blend of Indo-Western outfits for women and men. Wearing beautifully outfits designed by Bal, the models looked stunning with their foreheads decorated with mother of pearls and sequence appliqués to emphasise a folk look.

No celebrities walked the ramp tonight, but the first row was occupied by actor Arjun Rampal, his wife Meher, Suzane Roshan, Rahul Dev, Simone Singh, and business tycoon Vijay Mallaya's son Siddharth. Bal got a standing ovation.

"This is an emotional moment for me as my work has been appreciated by all...and that I have not let anyone down. When you get a standing ovation from the audience I don't think there is anything better than this," Bal said.

"I must say this is Rohit's best-ever collection and finale till date," Arjun Rampal said.