Suneet Varma On The Shifting Bridal Wear Trends, His Muse And More

When it comes to Suneet Varma, ‘opulence’ and ‘old-world charm’ go hand in hand. The designer has, over more than three decades, carved a niche in the Indian fashion landscape for designing opulent creations that put India’s craftsmanship at the forefront. 

Recently, the designer presented his collection ‘Nazm’ at the Hyundai India Couture Week, where his love for romance, music and Bollywood set the scene. He is also gearing up to showcase this collection and more at the upcoming FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend. In a candid chat with Manifest, the designer opened up about ‘Nazm’, his inspirations, bridalwear trends and more…

Manifest: We saw an exploration of different surface embellishment techniques and silhouettes with ‘Nazm’ at the India Couture Week. How do you see this translating for brides and other wedding attendees for the upcoming wedding season?

Suneet Varma: ‘Nazm’ is a celebration of India’s rich decorative art heritage with a contemporary twist, making it perfect for modern brides and wedding attendees who seek elegance and individuality. The intricate hand-embroidered appliqué work and luxurious fabrics like metallic tissue, pastel organza, and fluid chiffons offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Brides can expect to see these elements in lehengas and saris that are both lightweight and opulent, allowing for comfort and grandeur. Wedding attendees will find versatile pieces that can transition from bridal extravagance to chic cocktail soirées, ensuring they are dressed to impress for any occasion

M: When it comes to bridalwear, have you noticed a shift in the way brides are approaching their ceremony outfits and trousseau? If so, can you share your thoughts on this?

SV: Absolutely, there has been a noticeable shift. Modern brides are more informed and have a clearer vision of what they want. They seek outfits that reflect their personality and are not just about adhering to traditional norms. There’s a growing trend towards customization and personalisation. Brides want pieces that can be cherished as heirlooms, yet they also desire practicality and comfort. This shift is evident in the preference for lighter, more versatile ensembles that can be worn beyond the wedding day, blending tradition with a contemporary appeal.

M: Who is your muse?

SV: My muse is a young beautiful girl who has a tremendous imagination. Imagination for a beautiful life ahead. Somebody who is dreamy, who likes romance and does not have a perfect ideal of beauty. I like things that are a little bit imperfect, and not sure of themselves. I think this vulnerability is something that I’ve always admired. So young actresses like Mumtaz, when she was 17-18 she was unbelievably beautiful and she probably didn’t even know it. I think over the years someone like Madhuri Dixit had the same charm, Sridevi had that charm, and Rekha had the oomph. I remember doing Natasha Poonawala’s wedding clothes and then she was very young, beautiful, charming and fresh. Those women have always been my inspiration and my muse who I’d like to dress.

M: What, according to you, defines a Suneet Varma bride?

SV: A Suneet Varma bride is confident, sensual, and unapologetically herself. My bride appreciates the finer details and the timeless allure of classic Bollywood romance. She is someone who seeks elegance and sophistication, and every piece she wears becomes an extension of her unique story and tremendous imagination. 

M: Midnight blue and burgundy tones were prominent throughout the collection. What are your thoughts about the departure from the traditional bridal colour palette that we’ve observed in recent years?

SV: The use of midnight blue and burgundy in Nazm represents a modern interpretation of bridal couture. While traditional colours like red and gold remain timeless, today’s brides are more open to exploring new palettes that reflect their individuality. These deeper hues add a touch of mystery and sophistication, allowing brides to stand out while still embracing a sense of tradition. It’s about offering a fresh perspective on bridal wear that is both contemporary and timeless, allowing each bride to find her perfect expression of style.

M: What advice would you have for brides who want to invest in something that’s on trend but also remains timeless for their weddings?

SV: My advice to brides would be to just be themselves unapologetically. Choose designs that reflect your personality and can be styled in multiple ways. Accessories play a crucial role, so opt for versatile pieces that can complement different outfits. Remember, timeless doesn’t mean traditional alone—it’s about finding a balance where modernity and tradition coexist harmoniously. Ultimately, your wedding ensemble should be a cherished heirloom that you look back on with fond memories

M: Can you give us a sneak peek of what we can expect at the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend?

SV: At the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend, you can expect an extension of the enchanting world of Nazm. We will showcase a curated selection of our latest bridal couture, featuring our signature hand-embroidered appliqué work and luxurious fabrics. There will be a focus on versatility and elegance, with pieces that cater to both brides and wedding attendees.

Suneet Varma is going to showcase at the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend. It’s an invite-only event which will be held at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, on August 3-4, 2024. For an invitation, register here or reach out at fmww@rpsg.in