Made In India

For over two decades, designer Varun Bahl was dabbling into elaborate occasion wear. What made him take the plunge into a prêt line? We investigated.

- Mitali Goyal

He has the ability to take anyone on a vintage escapade with his designs that he creates with assorted motifs and intricate embroidery. For over two decades, Varun Bahl has delicately balanced traditional craft and innovation with a fresh take on colours and silhouettes. But, this year was different. He returned to Lakmé Fashion Week after a gap of four years to launch his new ready-to-wear line, Varun Bahl Prêt. We asked him about his decsion, even as he took us on a journey of soft hues and contemporary details. Excerpts from the interview:

What was your vision behind the prêt label? Take us through the elements incorporated?

I felt it was the right time to design a line that is first and foremost, more accessible. Second, that it adds solid design value to a wearer’s wardrobe, enhancing her personal style. And third, that it is trendless and versatile, so that each piece can be styled in a variety of ways with the wearer’s existing wardrobe.

The Five Petal Story, as this collection is called, is a meditation on the simple beauty of flowers that bloom with five petals, like the lily, the iris, the orchid, the frangipani, and the Himalayan wild rose. I’ve been thinking about this for almost a year, and when Lakmé Fashion Week approached me to participate this season, I just had to do it, and I am so encouraged by the response we got in Mumbai. I have included delicate 3D flower motifs as embellishments that might remind you of our haute couture techniques handcrafted by our artisan embroiderers. The entire collection is designed as separates, so that different looks can be created by mix and match, which is a smart way to dress.