Kim and Aish at a fashion Show

It was high time fashion weeks in Mumbai did something special to lift their sagging reputation.

And the scales were bound to tip in the city's favour after designer Manish Malhotra roped in none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as his showstopper on Day 1 of the HDIL couture week.

Now, that's something Delhi - with its overdose of celebrity presence at fashion weeks - is still not likely to level any time soon.

Considering that she walked for a designer after ages, it was bound to be a special moment. In the past, Aishwarya has only taken to the runway when she endorsed brands.

She hasn't walked for a designer since her modelling days.

Looking splendid in an ivory coloured net and georgette lehenga with understated detailing, Aishwarya proved how she still rules the runway. With big hair and smoky eyes, the actress, who is on the wrong side of her 30s, looked resolutely smouldering.

She steered clear of being pretty, bubbly or sensational on the runway; instead she went for the subtle sexiness she's known for.

Cheering on from the front row were hubby Abhishek Bachchan, mother Vrinda Rai, mom in-law Jaya Bachchan and others from the fashion and film fraternity.

Manish unleashed a line of creations that was perfect wedding wear.

Presenting colours ranging from white to flame red, the lehengas were tiered or panelled and edged with velvet or brocade borders while the cholis were tiny and sexy. Men's wear was as ornate in the similar colour segments with sherwani s, kurta s Raja coats and bandhgala s with lavish embroidery on velvet or in gold brocade.

Also present were Mandira Bedi, Kim Sharma and Sonam Kapoor.

Sonam, who after the Aisha debacle is still holding on tightly to her fashionista throne, came wearing a 1960s inspired black dress.

Though she didn't quite create the desired effect in her below-the-knee ill-fitting dress, her choice of accessories pleased all. Continuing the trend of teaming traditional Indian jewellery with western silhouettes, she wore a traditional polki and emerald neckpiece with her satin midi dress.

Bedi and Sharma disappointed with their style run in a pink lehenga - type ensemble and animal print number respectively.

So it was left to Ash to lift the glam quotient. She was the diva on the catwalk, but off it she was back to being the Bachchan bahu - posing for family shots.