Bollywood presence on the runway is a sure way to attract attention at fashion shows, but designer Suneet Varma wants his clothes to do the talking.
In the past, Kangana Ranaut and Nargis Fakhri have walked for the designer. Suneet said he uses a celebrity for his show only when he thinks he or she fits the bill.
“My shows are so vast and a labour of love. I don’t necessarily encourage Bollywood film stars as showstoppers. Sometimes they are friends, they are available, we use them and when it makes sense like I do with Kangana, Chitrangada and Nargis. But it is not something I think about,” Varma said.
The designer, who is preparing for his show at the upcoming BMW Indian Bridal Fashion Week, said he has not thought of a celebrity for it yet.
“I am so busy making my set, music and the whole show that I don’t even think about that. My show and clothes should be my showstopper. I don’t really like the idea of major Bollywood stars taking over the ramp. I haven’t really thought of anyone yet.”
The designer will close the five day fashion extravaganza, which will open on August 7.
Titled Couture- A Love Story, Varma’s collection is based on the art and literature of Persia and the poetry of Omar Khayyam, who has been hailed as one of the greatest Persian poets.
“This collection is very personal and special to me because I grew up with Khayyam’s poetry as my father used to read it. I always wanted to do something with it. It had illustrations. So, for this collection, I used them as inspiration, like the drapes, silhouettes.” Varma said.
The line aims to incorporate elements of the Ottoman Empire (also known as Turkish Empire), which had a lot of Persian influence.
Persian heritage is the flavour of the season with designers like Anju Modi, Rohit Bal and Reynu Taandon incorporating its influences in their collection during the recently concluded India Couture Week.
Suneet said he finds Persian velvets, motifs and use of tapestry as a fabric “attractive”.
“Persian love poems, the lyrical motifs, the decorative arts in architecture, the Persian blues, the soft pastels and the nostalgic shades of gold and rose [form a part of the collection],” said Varma.
The collection is divided in to three segments, Arzoo, Aziz and Ahibba. The three parts will have different silhouettes, colour palette and fabrics.
“From the inspiration to the sets, accessories and the music of the show- it builds up like an enormous surge and I treat it like a vast ocean of endless possibilities,” Varma said.
The designer added his collection will be high on accessories. “Accessories are a very important part of the show and styling. They are designed and handmade for this collection. Head dresses in beaten metal in antique shades of gold, ornate pieces of Meenakari jewellery and Swarovski crystals,” he said.
