Images: What you can expect to see at the LFW!

We bring you previews from collections by prominent designers, set to be showcased at Lakme Fashion Week today onward!

It's that time of year again and we're all eagerly awaiting the spring/summer trends for 2011 at one of India's largest fashion dos.

Ahead of Lakme Fashion Week, starting today, here's a sneak peek at what you can expect to see on the ramp!

Siddhartha Tytler

The New Delhi-based designer will be debuting his collection 'Metalosophy' -- garments flaunting immense structural appeal, shades of metallic brilliance and dazzling embellishment techniques culled from scrupulously fashioned lengths of fabric, the signature being a hint of metal either dans l'element et/ou en couleur (in element and/or in colour) in each piece.

Luxurious jersey, French chiffons, tastefully embroidered georgettes, yards of chic silk spandex, daring-shimmer-bearing lengths of lame and mounds of lavishly light duchess satin stick to fit or simply flare when required into stunning demurely draped silhouettes.

The designer's trademark bold use of sheeting, negative sheeting, crystal embellishments and applique work form iconic bonds with his newfound technique 'MetalMosaic' -- a faultless unification of numerous metallic shaded crystals, in varied shapes and sizes, fused together with chainmail and/or crystal mesh and/or embroidery to form a pattern resembling the inner part of a machine.

The collection comprises dresses, gowns, tops, jackets, kaftans, short skirts, shirts and tops. The colours used in the collection are greys, black, white and gold. Tytler will show his collection on Sunday, March 13, 2011.

Pria Kataaria Puri's resortwear 2011 collection, 'Marrakesh', is inspired by the exotic red city of Morocco.

Down the ages, the world and in particular Europe has looked in awe at the intriguing confluence of cultures in neighbouring Morocco. French, Portuguese, Arab and Persian influences have made this tiny country a favoured destination with the rich and the famous.

This collection is specially designed for the travelling exotic diva who wants to look glamorous instantly without any fuss. Pria has used two colour schemes -- one is vibrant, inspired by the spices and fruits in the souks of Marrakesh such as spicy greens, oranges, tangerines, turmeric yellows, apple greens. The other is a vintage tone consisting of teal greens, midnight blues, blacks, off-whites and golden sand.

Embellishments play an important role in the collection in the form of tassels -- gilded, sequinned, crystal and mirrored borders creating a glamorous look. There is a wide variety of Indo-Western silhouettes perfect for any occasion -- maxis, lounge gowns, kaftans, tunics, jackets, saris and dresses. The dress lengths vary from thigh-length to knee; the gowns have asymmetrical hemlines, lots of tiers and gathering for a free-flowing, breezy look.

In an ode to Marrakesh's fine jewelled and opulent textile heritage, fabrics used include silk chiffons, silk crepes, silk georgettes, silk satins, velvet, jersey and tulle. Tassels, Arabesque prints and local mirror embellishment are used to further enhance the look. The designer's collection will be showed on Monday, March 14, 2011.

Arpan Vohra has opted for a nautical theme with his latest offering.

Inspired by and named after the Styx song I'm Sailing Away, the Sail Away collection is representative of an adventurous, carefree spirit that sets the mood for a perfect, lovely summer. The styles have key elements connected to all things nautical -- ropes, chords, anchor-inspired metal studs and knots that help create the perfect mood for adventure.

The colours used are white, red and sea green and the pieces are chic, wearable and classic with silver studs and zippers to complete the 'sailor girl' look. The silhouettes are casual, with sporty tailoring and sleek, sharp cuts. Vohra will show his collection on Friday, March 11, 2011.

Prolific accessories designer Rina Shah presents a collection at the forthcoming LFW that portrays her love for polo. The collection, titled Rinaldi Polo is sporty, chic and classy, just like the equestrian game and comprises boots, belts and bags.

The designer wanted her collection to reflect the "fun and style" of the sport and she even travelled to Santa Barbara in the US to learn and train for this ongoing polo season.

Using her signature style of embellishment with crystals and coloured stones, Rina has created a line with equestrian prints on large bags with bamboo handles. The theme is brought to life with saddle bags with trimmings, reins handles on oversized bags, spur straps with crystals and feathers and even a sexy collection of belts with horses on the buckles. Thigh-high boots with feathers, beaded spur straps, satchel bags with chains and crystals add a cowboy feel to things.

This designer goes back to her roots with her new line Tuk Tuk.

Speaking about her inspiration, Sabah says, "Earlier known as 'tangewallas' and referred to today as 'rickshaw wallahs', they have been the lifeline of the common man in India. Yes, they're there even after the vast upgrade in technology. They always come to our rescue, before buses, railways and taxis. My new collection is all about them, dedicated to the common man and especially new-age flamboyant youngsters. It is full of utility, just like my previous collection."

The earthy colour of uniforms, the bright-coloured posters on the inside of rickshaws, the prominent curve of the vehicle and the simplicity of the rikshaw wallah have been incorporated very finely into Sabah's new collection. She has combined the cuts and fabrics worn by them with new designs and trends.

Fabrics used are linens, synthetic and pure, stretch linen leggings and digital prints of tuk-tuks on linens. It is a key piece collection, comprising 16 ensembles.

However, there is a wide range as each piece is individual -- there are bikinis, hotpants, dhoti dungarees, waterfront waistcoats, 'T'-backs and more to chose from. The garments are can be teamed with existing pieces from your wardrobe too and are ideal for summer. Khan will show her collection on Monday, March 14, 2011.

And finally, in a tie-up with Japan Fashion Week, Lakme is bringing the work of eight leading Japanese designers to the LFW ramp.

This cross-cultural exchange initiative, 'tokyoeye', will see the best of Japanese fashion talent showcasing in India. The government-aided project aims to create enterprising relationships and provides access to international collections to buyers from India and all over the world.

As per the tie-up, three designers -- Tamae Hirokawa, Motonari Ono and Sara Arai -- will showcase their varying collections at a show on March 11. Five others -- Hideaki Horie, Ayaka Kurata, Naomi Yamamoto, Ayaka Kurata and Michail Gkinis -- will have stalls at LFW.