With a giant fashion party (what else?), liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya celebrated the start of his famous Kingfisher Derby this year.

Top models like Fleur Xavier, Diandra Soares, Zulfi Sayed and Netra Raghuraman showed off clothes by designers Rina Dhaka, Ashish Soni and Manoviraj Khosla, interspersed by performances by Shankar Mahadevan, Sivamani and Louis Banks at the Kingfisher Pre-Derby Fashion Nite.

Funny-man Saajid Khan hosted the event here Sunday night.

"(It) is one of the most awaited events in the Indian social circuit. Both have come to be synonymous with each other. It is a celebration par-excellence, keeping in mind the Kingfisher Derby - one of the most prestigious races in India. Kingfisher Derby has developed into 'the' event for racing enthusiasts," said Shekhar Ramamurthy, executive vice president of United Breweries, the parent company of Kingfisher brand.

Initiated in 1988, the Kingfisher Derby is more than just a venue for horsepower. It also showcases entertainment as a definite part of its character.

It has a cash prize of around Rs.2.5 million. Last year, star jockey Pesi Shroff rode to victory on Mallya's horse, Fantabulous King.

Kingfisher also makes the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar, hosts India's only fashion award show, the Kingfisher Fashion Awards, and has its own line of clothes by designer Manoviraj Khosla.