Designer Shahzad Kalim was the toast of the fashion week last year.

He was declared the winner of Lakme Fashion House, a television reality show that aimed to find the best designing talent in the country.

He was selected by none other than Donatella Versace and designer duo Abu-Sandeep.

The prize was a six month internship at the House of Versace in Milan, under the mentorship of Donatella Versace.

He also made his debut on the ramp with his collection last year at the Lakme India Fashion Week in Delhi and received a standing ovation.

This year, Shahzad showcased his first collection after his return from Milan.

We saw lots of big sunshades, heavy embellishment on the clothes, skirts with scallops on them, boots and net hemlines..

The show opened with a tubby looking model with makeup that seemed somewhat demonic.

We saw lots of corsets and skirts with chunky metal pieces, feathers and ribbon detailing.

Can you wear this?

We expected something fresh and original, but instead we experienced deja vous -- a feeling that bits and pieces were inspired by various other designers, like Manish Arora for instance.

No single design element or attitude stood out.

In many cases the garments seemed ill-fitting, particularly the corsets which looked tacky especially at the back.

We'll pass this time round, but we do hope Shahzad reinvents himself and returns with a bang.

Text: Merril Diniz
Photograph: Jewella C Miranda

Also see: 16 designers style for glory!
Shahzad: A standing ovation!