Unveiling his spring/summer 2006 collection, Jattinn Kochhar promises that his latest work is unlike anything we have seen or worn before. Strictly Indian, the range offers inspirations drawn from tribal hand embroideries from various States of India. Jattinn showcased his spring/summer 2006 swimwear line and eveningwear line at the Singapore Asia Fashion Weekend and the Kuala Lumpur Asia Fashion Week recently. "My latest collection has inputs from various States of India and customers will find a great mix of phulkari embroidery from Punjab, Kutch embroidery from Gujarat, jamavar embroidery from Kashmir. Added to that is a smart and trendy dash of Sanskrit shlokas (mantras that bring good luck and prosperity to the one who chants)," says Jattinn.

Being offered in vibrant colours including ruby red, Indian blue, aubergine, mauve, ash grey, saffron, fuchsia, magenta, kiln brown, Jattinn claims that this very chic range was greatly appreciated in which he used images of a maharaja of the princely State of Rajasthan.

"The image has been used on the fabric by digitally printing them and we have used fabrics including Italian lycra and polymesh to create the desired effect and to provide the clean cuts that are the hallmark of the collection. Customers would also appreciate the unique use of embellishment. We have used Swarovski crystals and metal components complementing hand-embroidered paisley patches for our latest range," adds Jattinn

INDIAN designers reeling from the bulldozing of their shops say they cannot focus on preparing for the nation`s top clothing extravaganza, India Fashion Week.   The stores at New Delhi`s MG1 Mall -- one of India`s best-known shopping stops for the well-heeled -- were smashed on Thursday in a municipal drive against illegal buildings.  "We are completely in shock. It has been such a big setback. How are we going to concentrate on preparing for Fashion Week?" said top designer Rohit Gandhi who had two stores at the mall. 

The annual event, which is attended by international buyers, is due to take place in April and designers show their ready-to-wear lines for winter 2006.  The swish strip, where more than 60 lifestyle stores were located, was the latest to be broken up in a campaign by municipal authorities to demolish over 18,000 allegedly illegal buildings.   India`s clothing industry is estimated to be worth $12bn (£6.8bn) -- half of it exports to destinations like the US, Europe and the Middle East.

But the fashion design industry is still nascent and estimated to be worth just $50m ((£28m). It mainly caters to the domestic market and Indian stores abroad, but of late designers have started to get orders from top international retail outlets like Britain`s Selfridges.

What: Jewellery exhibition by Design Source from Mumbai.

Where: ITC Sonar Bangla Sheraton & Towers.

When: Till February 5.

Take a look: Designer Archana Aggarwal from Mumbai is showcasing her collection of ornaments that combine diamonds with other precious stones. Drawing inspiration from Mughal designs, each piece has been intricately crafted.

On offer are separates like earrings, bracelets, rings, nosepins and neckpieces as well as full sets. The showstealer is the line of jadau jewellery.

The designer also has pieces for men that include kurta buttons, cufflinks and tie pins, all studded with stones.

Pocket pinch: Prices start at Rs 10,000 and go up to Rs 15 lakh