The countdown to the Pantaloons Femina Miss India (PFMI) 2010 contest has begun. On Tuesday evening, the 18 PFMI 2010 finalists were revealed, each one looking splendid in Swapnil Shinde’s creations. And adding to the glam and glitter, the three exquisite crowns and jewellery designed by Collection g and World Gold Council, with Gitanjali exclusively for the pageant were also unveiled.

From the numerous aspiring contestants who were part of the PFMI 2010 National Shortlist Round last week, 18 beauties finally made it to the top. These 18 girls are now one step closer to living their dream of winning the crown and becoming a Bollywood Diva. These finalists from across India walked the ramp choreographed by none other than Marc Robinson (Fashion Director and Contestant Director, PFMI 2010) and Alecia Raut (Ramp Walk Trainer, PFMI 2010) wearing outfits from renowned designer Swapnil Shinde’s collection ‘Spectrum’. As the designer put it, the collection is inspired by something extremely simple but overtly strong and powerful — the colours of a rainbow. The 18 outfits are free flowing chiffon cocktail dresses with beautiful trails and ribbon drapes in different shades of magenta, burnt red, olive, saffron, tangerine and electric blue. The girls wore stunning golden shoes by Tresmode, the official footwear partner.

After the girls shone bright on stage, it was time for the three exquisitely designed crowns to dazzle. For the first time, the crowns have been designed by students of National Institute of Design (NID) and draw inspiration from various styles. The Pantaloons Femina Miss India World crown draws inspiration from ‘contemporary royalty’; the Pantaloons Femina Miss India Earth crown draws inspiration from ‘alluring mirage and enticing aura’; and the Pantaloons Femina Miss India International crown is inspired by the styles ‘baroque and art movement’. A special line of youthful and trendy Collection g Jewellery was also unveiled, and adorned by the contestants, lending grandeur and beauty to the evening held at The Courtyard, Grand Hyatt. Besides the three crowns, Collection g has also designed 21 tiaras for the sub-contest titles. Parvathy Omanakuttan, PFMI World 2008 and Miss World 2008 First Runner up encouraged the ravishing beauties in their journey to the crown and stardom. Pooja Chopra, PFMI World 2009 also graced the occasion. The grand finale will take place on April 30th at NCPA, Mumbai.

Madhumita Dutta, Head–Marketing Development, World Gold Council, India stated, “We are delighted to enter the third year of partnership with the Miss India pageant. It is truly a world-class event that is modern, contemporary and chic — the very values that our brand Collection G associates with. These special crowns embody the youthful, trendy and vivacious spirit of our brand.” Mehul Choksi, Chairman and Managing Director, Gitanjali Group adds, “Gold jewellery has traditionally enhanced the beauty of Indian women and a brand like Collection g helps keep gold ornamentation relevant even for the contemporary woman. Gitanjali’s partnership with the Femina Miss India, a premier contest that has pioneered the celebration of beauty in the country and helped many young women achieve their dreams, will help to further enhance this link.” Gitanjali has been successfully associated with the pageant for three consecutive years.

Zahid Shaikh, Head of Marketing, Pantaloons stated, “Pantaloons, now reaching out to even a larger customer base across the country, is proud to be associated with the pageant. Being a leading name in fashion, it is but natural that Pantaloons is instrumental in grooming the contestants during the run up to the pageant.”