New Delhi: Ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra showcased his latest collection "The Persian Story" at the FDCI India Couture Week 2016 and actors Deepika Padukone and Fawad Khan turned to be the perfect showstoppers for the collection.

The showcase was held at the Taj Palace here on Wednesday, where the suave looking Pakistani star was welcomed to the ramp by loud cheers and whistles from the crowd as he walked in a black Kurta and deep maroon palazzo-pyjama and opened the grand show for the designer.

Following Fawad, models began showcasing Malhotra's collection as they walked to the tunes of authentic persian music. The collection saw a wide range of heavily embellished lehengas, off shoulder gowns, long jackets, Anarkalis, sherwanis and sequinned dresses which featured elaborate architectural, floral motifs and check shirts and achkans.

The colour palette moved from cream, gold, red, indigo, brown maroon, royal blue to yellow.

The designer tried to recreate the magic of Persia by replicating the traditional marble motifs, popular Persian chandeliers which added more spunk to the entire feel of the event and a small shamiana (a marquee), which helped the models exitingthe ramp.

Talking about his inspiration, the designer told reporters here: "I had Persian Story's idea in mind for so many years. I love Persian architecture, I like the colour schemes of Persia, music and that was a concept I had in my mind and that's how it got generated..."

Deepika, who was chosen to close the show for Malhotra, stunned the audience as she looked ravishing in a beautiful off shoulder choli, with intricate gold embroidery and a long-trailed lehenga. The "Bajirao Mastani" star also wore a polki-pearl choker and a hath-phool from Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang.

Talking about the fabulous showstoppers, Manish, who has styled globally known names like Michael Jackson, Reese Witherspoon, Kylie Minogue and Naomi Campbell, said: " I am so thankful to Fawad for being here and dearest Deepika I know her since she was a model and her first film...its a very special moment."

Deepika, who started her career as model, said the ensemble she donned at the event was the heaviest.

"The last time I walked for him (Malhotra) I thought that (outfit) was the heaviest. This is much much heavier...," quipped the actress.

For Fawad, who made his debut into Hindi cinema in 2014 with the romantic comedy "Khoobsurat", this was the first time on the Indian runway and shared that the experience was "daunting".

Asked if it was his first time on the ramp in Delhi, Fawad said: "In Delhi for the first time? In India for the first time. Obviously (it was) very daunting..."

Bollywood celebrities like Sophie Choudry, veteran actress-socialist Shabana Azmi, deigner JJ Valaya added their own charm by gracing the event.

Other names from the Indian fashion fraternity like Anita Dongre, Tarun Tahiliani, Reynu Taandon, Rimple and Harpreet Narula, Rahul Mishra, Anamika Khanna, Varun Bahl, Gaurav Gupta, Manav Gangwani and Rohit Bal will showcase their latest collection at the five-day event, which concludes on July 24.