Riding the wave of cool

A hush descended on the crowd as ace designer Wendell Rodricks’ coastal fantasy in fabric got underway. Madhu Sapre, Fleur Xavier, Nina Manuel, Ujjwala Raut, Waluscha De Souza and Anika Madgaokar sashayed down onto aramp in creations in cool hues of cerulean blue, aquamarine and sandy white.

“A fitting event for us living by the sea. Wendell’s designs are unique yet dramatic nature in all her glory,” commented columnist Nina Pillai.After this glittering display, Marc Robinson, Preity Zinta, Jagjit and Chitra Singh, Frank and Geeta Simoes, Sanjay Narang, Meher Castellino, Nitin Mukesh, Bharat Dhabolkar, Ranjan Kapoor, Hasina Jethmalani, Alex Kuruvilla, Nina Pillai, Hemant Trevedi, Tarun Tahiliani were treated to a sumptuous spread in the Regal Room. Said Suchitra Pillai, “The concept of blending couture with coastal cuisine was novel idea and a big hit. I loved Wendell’s cool, flowing pastels as much as I loved the crab cakes and lobster pate!” The Regal Room was decked in keeping with the theme.

There was a thatched coconut palm buffet for the Indian cuisine, carved mermaids at the salad buffet, dolphins and seahorses carved in ice and live food demonstrations at the Mexican stall. “A very interesting eventthematically speaking – everything gelled,” said Anaitha Shroff, theatreperson.

Guests were also treated to the catch of the day prepared by Oberoi chefs. Aditi Govitrikar, said, “Tres chic! A simple yet stunning collection by Wendell and a mind-boggling variety of seafood to savour, made for a most enjoyable evening.” Shrimp a la Ajillo, imported rock oysters set on an ice bar, a Norwegian smoked salmon and Gravlax station, Caldine, Pla Thord Pak Thai were just some of the exotic dishes. Pierre-Emmanuel Jacob, director, Alliance Francaise, "I’m a self-confessed Thai food addict, so I relished the Thai soup." Aztec torte, Leonardo da Vinci gateau and Broclettes de fruits with bitter chocolate dip made the calorie-counting guests throw caution to the wind as they feasted on the most delectable desserts.

Concluded Karan Grover, "Now that’s what I call making a splash! All in all, a wonderful experience, like all Express events. I’d give it 10 on 10."