New Delhi: A 9 pm show that starts at 11 pm is quite unpardonable, but when the designer brings forth cute clowns to put back the smile on your face, a clean chit doesn't seem to hurt. Manish Arora's grand finale at WIFW started with a filmy "yeh raat fashion ke itihaas mein yaadgaar rahegi" and we couldn't agree more!
 
The hall was draped in red and white curtains for a tent-like feel, while the side wings were converted into show windows where golden installments of a performing seal, tiger and other animals stood shimmering in style.

It was themed to be a grand Circus, after all the fish frying in his previous collection. A transparent screen stood anchor to two virtual jokers who did their juggling act with élan, and thankfully made way for the tight-heeled walkers just when they'd started to get boring. Then came the real action 'a firangi troupe belted out Bachna Ae Haseeno on their trumpets and saxhorns, after which desi dhols ushered in ramp hotties. On display was a stunning spread of drum-skirts, peacock feather inspired flowing numbers, sequins and noveau circus art at its craziest best, with fountain haired models in glitzy cone caps and dramatic mask-style make-up.
 
Patterns weren't regular, though circles and curves ruled the evening. Some of the memorable pieces were those with acrobat cut-outs suspended from bead ropes, silvery-golden mermaid tailed gowns, shiny disco hot pants, feathery frills, layering and cowled capes in the designer's characteristic colourful palette. Refreshingly unique in craft and presentation, Arora's array was accompanied by percussion of Bollywood tracks like Chhaiyan Chhaiyan, Gud Naal Ishq Mitha, Kehna Hi Kya and Humma Humma.
 
Front-rowers revelled in the vibe as the ringmaster climaxed his circus with the unforgettable song from yesteryear hit Mera Naam Joker Jeena Yahaan, Marna Yahaan. A standing ovation ended the gala affair with full marks to the final act. As Arora's Japanese friend and buyer Tomoko put it, "it was his best show ever!"