The genesis of Ash's red carpet tragedy

This week, focus on >> Designers Namrata Joshipura and Gaurav Gupta on where Aishwarya Rai went right, and didn't >> Love goes luxe. This V-Day, woo your lady with luxury she can't resist

This week, focus on
>> Designers Namrata Joshipura and Gaurav Gupta on where Aishwarya Rai went right, and didn't
>> Love goes luxe. This V-Day, woo your lady with luxury she can't resist

Ash in an Alberta Ferretti gown at the Pink Panther 2 premiere on February 3

Aishwarya Rai made one of her first appearances at Cannes, around the same time I managed to know enough about fashion to comment on celeb attire. Her hair-all-over-the-place, magenta corset over Zardozi fishtail skirt in 2003 was a scream, and the media (moi included) sliced her to wafer-thin bits. I suspect she drowned in a surge of criticism, enough to dart to the another extreme play it safe in all black, like she did at the recent Pink Panther 2 premiere in New York. Okay, Ash, we know you've learned to look classy. Now, can we have some head-turning edginess?

What style.com said: Julia Roberts once called Aishwarya Rai Bachchan "the most beautiful woman in the world." When a star is that bewitchingly lovely and that A-list-y, is it wrong of us to want her to bring it a little when it comes to style? Maybe a little Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, or Yves Saint Laurent? Does Ash's black Ferretti do her justice?u00a0

2003
Namrata
The traditional presentation, top knot, make-up and jewellery are just not happening. Instead of this fusion, or confusion of East and West, a traditional saree would have worked.
Gaurav
The saree is a welcome change, but it's looking far from elegant. The colour is not working. And theu00a0 green piping on the blouse killed it, if nothing else had.

2004
Namrata
This dress misses me completely there is something cheap-looking about that cut-out detail. Her hair looks like she's usedu00a0 way too much product to give it those curls.
Gaurav
I think she looks pretty here. I wish that gaping hole wasn't there, though. Utterly unaesthetic!

2005
Namrata
This easy and light chiffon, printed dress works well for her figure. I quite like the way she's done her hair and make-up too. They compliment the dress.
Gaurav
The print, fabric and shoes make this a casual, day ensemble, which has no role to play at a red carpet event.

2006
We say
We think Ash came closest to getting it right. She wore this dark blue Roberto Cavalli gown in 2006; her first vibrant colour choice in years. The serpent-inspired choker added a wild, adventurous streak that one doesn't usually associate with her. Who doesn't like surprises? But she went and ruined it by matching space-age frosty eye make-up with criss cross ruched, off shoulder gown by Armani, in 2007.

2008
Namrata
I like that Ash has taken a chance with this bold colour.u00a0 The gown is interesting since it pairs satin and georgette.
Gaurav
She's looking nice here, the colour helps lend radiance to her complexion. It's far better fitted than some of the previous outfits she's worn.

Valentine gifts for brand-conscious ladies

Calling all men who want to seduce their women withu00a0 some branded TLC. Gucci's Cruise 2009 Seaside Chic collection has enough gifting options depicting easy, feminine fashion. Reminiscent of the styles sported by the European jet-set at exotic seaside getaways in the 1970s, the collection is a relaxed interpretation of luxury.
Woo her with: Sandals in bronze with a heart-detail and the Icon, an 18 Karat gold ringu00a0 incorporating the ubiquitous GG detail.u00a0
Available at: Gucci, Galleria, The Trident, Nariman Point