Timeless Elegance & Modern Flair: Inside the World of Suneet Varma

Suneet Varma stands as one of India's most iconic fashion designers, celebrated for his luxurious couture and signature theatrical style. With a career spanning decades, his work has become a symbol of glamour, grace, and detailed craftsmanship. Varma's creations feature exquisite embroidery, striking 3D embellishments, and contemporary silhouettes that blend India's rich artisan heritage with modern design sensibilities.

Drawing inspiration from nature-be it vibrant fruits, blooming flowers, or mythical imagery-his collections exude a balance of high art and wearability. A favorite among Bollywood's elite, including Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, and Kangana Ranaut, Suneet's designs have graced red carpets and film sets alike. In an exclusive conversation with Kartikya Arora, the designer reflects on his brand's core, evolving trends, and how every collection tells a story deeply personal to him. Suneet Varma has been a prominent designer brand for decades.

What do you believe sets it apart from others?

The Suneet Varma brand has always stood for timeless elegance, beautifully crafted clothing that actually takes inspiration from the heritage of India, but also gives it a very interesting modern twist that also can be worn in multiple ways, in contemporary ways as well.


You have collaborated with many icons in the past. What are the qualities you look for in a potential collaborator?

Yes, I've been very fortunate to collaborate with many icons from film stars from Priyanka Chopra to Aishwarya Rai, Hrithik Roshan, and movies like Monsoon Wedding which was Oscar nominated for Best Costume and it's been, essentially and mostly about the fact that when two people with similar vision or energies come together, you can collaborate on something very spectacular. And I think it needs to be about storytelling, it needs to be about imagery that is iconic, it needs to be about something that's very relevant as well. I continue to get fantastic collaborations from Judith Lieber to BMW and I think that's the whole idea, where you just have to perpetually keep working and keep ahead of yourself.


In the last decade, suddenly bridal wear has seen a wave of pastels over bolder tones. What's your take?

This might sound surprising to the readers, but even I am a fan of pastels over bolder tones. Indian brides do resonate with bright shades and the classic red, but I also feel that with the change in time, the taste of people has evolved. Now, it's not just the traditional gold jewelry and black hair, people are experimenting and those experiments also call for a change of tone of shades of bridal wear and from that perspective, pastels perfectly fit the Indian skin tone.


The use of cancan in gowns and skirts has taken the market by storm. Do you think it has been pushed too far? What can be the alternative?

Absolutely! Those styles often appear overly dramatic and, more importantly, are quite uncomfortable to sit in-which I think people are finally realizing. Personally, I believe the natural flow of a gown or lehenga looks far more elegant and effortlessly chic.


Pageants like Miss Universe give designers and stylists a global platform to work together. What do you think Indian designers need to do more to be visible on global platforms?

I believe Indian designers have been contributing to the global fashion scene for decades, and in recent years, we've truly secured our place on the international map. Our designers are making waves worldwide and earning accolades for the country. That said, I agree that global platforms like Miss Universe provide an added spotlight-offering designers valuable exposure, recognition, and expanded business opportunities.


The Indian bridal market in metropolitan areas has seen a shift towards minimalism. Do you think that's the future?

In my view, Indian fashion is evolving to become more modern, tonal, and refined. While bold motifs and heavy gold embellishments may no longer be in high demand, there's still a strong desire to retain the essence of traditional Indian wear-now infused with subtle detailing and contemporary elegance. However, it's important to note that this shift isn't necessarily moving toward minimalism.


When it comes to designing a collection, what is your driving force, and how do you process it?

Designing a collection, for me, is like working on a blank canvas- it's all about storytelling. I imagine the entire world around it: the set, the styling, the accessories, and most importantly, the central character--the heroine. She's not just a figment of imagination; she evolves into a real person in our creative process. We think about her choices, her lifestyle, where she might go, and what she might wear. That narrative becomes the heart of the collection. I'm also deeply inspired by music, drama, and the nuances of styling. It's never an overnight decision-it's a layered, evolving process. Some ideas work, some don't, and then you go back, refine, and keep building until it all comes together just right.

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