It has been nine years since she had a show in Dubai, so we were looking forward to seeing Ritu Kumar's latest bridal collection at the Dubai Fashion Fiesta.

Sadly, the designer was not present at the red carpet opening of the event on Thursday (July 24), but her collection was just what we expected. No radical silhouettes, over the top embellishments or wild colour combinations here - what we got was classic Ritu Kumar - graceful traditional silhouettes and drapes, rich but subtle decoration and a vibrant, oh so very Indian palette of terracotta, burgundy, fuchsia, purple, orange, turquoise and mehendi green with plenty of silver and antique gold.

The show began with a smart, fusion line in burgundy and black. There were evening dresses as well as skirts and flared pants teamed with corsets or longer tops and bandhini odhnis decorated with tiny mirrors.

Next on the ramp was Ritu's latest Miss India collection of saris worn by all the contestants during the pageant. The brightly coloured saris, inspired by 1970's Bollywood divas such as Mumtaz, were paired with sexy gold cholis.

We loved the designer's line of anarkalis in crushed tissue and satin and the more luxe bridal sets in brocade with antique gold zardosi embroidery. And her collection of bridal lehengas and shararas for this season was exquisite. It was inspired by Pahari paintings of the 17^th century and embellished with antique zardozi, aari, gota and patti work, often combining gold and silver.

Miss India Earth 2008, Tanvi Vyas, walked down the ramp in a beautiful pink, orange and gold silk lehenga with two odhnis - in silk and net - in the finale of the show.

The entire collection is on display in Hall 3 of the Dubai World Trade Centre until July 27. The exhibition is open to the public from 11.30am to 10pm. For more information, contact DFF organisers Emirates Vision on 04-3460040.