Bollywood Fashion Awards Sizzle

(CBS)  A scintillating mix of exotic eastern fashion mixed with Hollywood style and glamour was on display at the recent Bollywood Fashion Awards, held in New York on July 29. The evening was hosted by Manu Narayan, who received critical acclaim for his Broadway debut as the star of "Bombay Dreams."

Bollywood fashion royalty in the form of Sushma Patel, Manish Malhotra and Rachel Roy were all on hand to showcase their fall collections, highlighting their spicy blend of Indian high fashion coupled with western trends in haute couture.

Sushma Patel's "Timelessness" collection inspired thoughts of romance and treasured moments, featuring fashions richly encrusted with Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones. These are garments to cherish for years.

Vibrant colors and rich textures made their way down the fashion ramp draped on the elite of India's modeling world, including Mrs. World Aditi Govitrikar, Anchal Kumar and Megha Lathigara.

The all female South Asian band Rouge, which won an award for most stylish international group, performed an eclectic mix of British pop-rock infused with Asian inspiration had everyone dancing in their seats.

Supermodel Iman presented Rachel Roy with the award for outstanding contribution to American fashion. Roy, who is married to hip-hop mogul Damon Dash, has a client list that includes Halle Berry, Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson.

A special Sammy Davis Award was presented by the late entertainer's wife, Altovise, to Emmy and Tony winner Ben Vereen for his combination of style and talent. Vereen has appeared on television in "Roots" and "Silk Stalkings" and guest-starred on many other shows. He's also known for his star turns on Broadway, including "Pippin," "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Jelly's Last Jam," and on film in "Funny Lady," "All That Jazz" and "Idlewild," which opens Aug. 25.

Other winners included Manish Malhotra for designer of the year-film, and Sabyasachi for haute couture.
By Karina Mahtani