#Preview: Varun Bahl’s Vintage Garden Collection At ICW 2016

With an equally strong emphasis on both craftsmanship and modernity, master couturier Varun Bahl’s collection at India Couture Week 2016 is sure to be on every contemporary bride’s trousseau wishlist. He discusses his upcoming collection as well as what he’s learnt in his many years in the idustry.

1. What is the inspiration behind your couture collection this year?
“This year the collection showcases a bride’s global sensibility and outlook. Moving away from the colour palette which has been identified with the D-day of today’s generation, I’ve picked colours for the independent, well-travelled and practical young woman. The inspiration comes from a range of colourful flowers without which every party or function looks incomplete and lifeless. For me, this India Couture Week is about showcasing structure and petals on traditional dresses through my collection Vintage Garden.”

2. What are some of the techniques that went into the making of the clothes?
“The floral motifs have been deliberately kept light-weight as they go with my vision of presenting traditional outfits which are rich in craftsmanship without weighing down the outfit.
Since the beauty is in the craftsmanship, the floral motifs have been designed to look like art work. The collection has embroidered and printed flowers embossed on saris and lehengas with a hint of modernity. The designs are about demonstrating how silk cutdana work, appliqué work and scallop motifs can be interwoven on fabrics like katan silk, matka silk, raw silk and silk net.”

3. You have completed 15 years in the industry. In what ways have your designs and sensibility as a designer of couture evolved?
“A lot of blood, sweat and toil have gone into building the label. My first collection was a western pret collection. Like every designer or artist, after years of fine tuning, I would say that I have finally found my calling and know my niche. My collections are more nuanced and now anyone can tell Varun Bahl apart from any other designer label.”

Below the designer shares a sketch from his upcoming collection: