Designer Varun Bahl’s work is something where heritage meets contemporary allure. Recently, he presented his collection at the Fashion for a Cause by Lakshyam event, which aimed to raise money for the education of underprivileged children. He spoke exclusively with The Pioneer about his garments, uplifting kids via the fashion cause, and others.
SHIKHA DUGGAL
Since its founding by Rashi Anand in 2012, Fashion for a Cause by Lakshyam has raised money for the education of underprivileged children by bringing together several well-known designers, celebrities, and other notable people from a variety of disciplines.
One of them is Varun Bahl, who gave a presentation of his collections during the event and was interviewed by us exclusively afterwards. He begins by saying, “Every garment I design continues to be inspired by the mystical nature all around us as well as the grandeur of the forest, flora, and fauna. My goal as a designer is to create things that appeal to the bold, attractive, and eccentric modern brides of this generation. I want to make the relaxed, comfortable couture that today’s Gen Z brides desire—something they can eat, breathe, and sleep in—a reality. While I still think that the focal point of any piece I design should be traditional Indian embroidery, speaking the language of global culture and creating designs that my audience would want to collect for their wardrobes are essential. Fashion that prioritises sustainability, recycling, and zero waste is the new norm.”
With the intention of uplifting kids via the fashion cause, the fashion designer goes on, “It is essential to push your creative boundaries, do research, look for new inspiration, experiment, and stay up to date with market trends and technologies with every new collection. There are obstacles in every collection, but you have to keep pushing yourself. I really believe that the only ways you can explore other creative realms and, as a result, conquer your hurdles and break limitations are by devoting yourself to research, looking for unusual connections, and incorporating creativity into your creations.”
He continues, “Through my designs, I have always tried to showcase and highlight the absolutely wonderful and exquisite craftsmanship of Indian kaarigars that I work with,” adding more details about his professional background. “Indian embroidery artists create incredibly intricate handwork that is really one of a kind. Over the years, while my style has changed to include more creative and modern silhouettes, our in-house, handcrafted embroidery has remained the focal point of every garment I make.”
Varun Bahl displayed his highly praised couture collections, Inner Bloom and Secret Garden, during this year’s Fashion for a Cause event. “As Indian designers broaden their perspectives, the domestic sector has risen significantly too. I firmly believe that staying true to your roots is just as vital as taking into account global trends, and that’s what I’ll continue to do. This is the reason Indian designers have excelled and will continue to do so on a global scale. The most crucial thing, though, is to identify your design voice and specialty and use them in all of your next collections,” added Varun on the beliefs of his label!
In addition, he recalls, “Throughout my career as a designer, I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world and pursue my desire of exploring and finding inspiration with every trip I take. This tells us about a travel experience that had a direct impact on one of his collection concepts. It is difficult to choose one or two events because each has shaped my artistic journey uniquely.” He continues, saying, “I have always found inspiration in the people and the environment around me. The abundant and magnificent landscape surrounding us, our nation’s rich cultural legacy, and even the enigmatic flora and animals have all served as sources of inspiration for me. Consequently, my collections over the years have demonstrated my adherence to different ideologies and design sensibilities! I enjoy experimenting with various textures and appliques, such as vivid floral motifs and three-dimensional embroidered flowers and leaves, which serve as a welcome memory of a season when everything blooms and inspires me. Every piece of clothing draws inspiration from historical fashion, genuine people, and a modern take on traditional Indian embroidery that speaks to a worldwide audience.” What a unique perspective on young charm!
“My creations are intended for every bride who wants to pave her own route, steer clear of traditional weddings, and infuse her own modern style into them to create a whole new kind of custom. The modern bride wants to seem put together, understated but strong, and like herself in her clothes. Every new collection of mine is designed with the idea that today’s self-assured and strong women choose a more modern, understated, and commanding appearance over the classic bridal gown. And my most recent Pret Collection, The Holiday Edit, is centred around flowing, carefree, yet elegant silhouettes that capture the essence of bright days and peaceful nights. In addition, I am working on my next spring/summer couture collection,” the celebrity designer concluded.
Since its founding by Rashi Anand in 2012, Fashion for a Cause by Lakshyam has raised money for the education of underprivileged children by bringing together several well-known designers, celebrities, and other notable people from a variety of disciplines.
One of them is Varun Bahl, who gave a presentation of his collections during the event and was interviewed by us exclusively afterwards. He begins by saying, “Every garment I design continues to be inspired by the mystical nature all around us as well as the grandeur of the forest, flora, and fauna. My goal as a designer is to create things that appeal to the bold, attractive, and eccentric modern brides of this generation. I want to make the relaxed, comfortable couture that today’s Gen Z brides desire—something they can eat, breathe, and sleep in—a reality. While I still think that the focal point of any piece I design should be traditional Indian embroidery, speaking the language of global culture and creating designs that my audience would want to collect for their wardrobes are essential. Fashion that prioritises sustainability, recycling, and zero waste is the new norm.”
With the intention of uplifting kids via the fashion cause, the fashion designer goes on, “It is essential to push your creative boundaries, do research, look for new inspiration, experiment, and stay up to date with market trends and technologies with every new collection. There are obstacles in every collection, but you have to keep pushing yourself. I really believe that the only ways you can explore other creative realms and, as a result, conquer your hurdles and break limitations are by devoting yourself to research, looking for unusual connections, and incorporating creativity into your creations.”
He continues, “Through my designs, I have always tried to showcase and highlight the absolutely wonderful and exquisite craftsmanship of Indian kaarigars that I work with,” adding more details about his professional background. “Indian embroidery artists create incredibly intricate handwork that is really one of a kind. Over the years, while my style has changed to include more creative and modern silhouettes, our in-house, handcrafted embroidery has remained the focal point of every garment I make.”
Varun Bahl displayed his highly praised couture collections, Inner Bloom and Secret Garden, during this year’s Fashion for a Cause event. “As Indian designers broaden their perspectives, the domestic sector has risen significantly too. I firmly believe that staying true to your roots is just as vital as taking into account global trends, and that’s what I’ll continue to do. This is the reason Indian designers have excelled and will continue to do so on a global scale. The most crucial thing, though, is to identify your design voice and specialty and use them in all of your next collections,” added Varun on the beliefs of his label!
In addition, he recalls, “Throughout my career as a designer, I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world and pursue my desire of exploring and finding inspiration with every trip I take. This tells us about a travel experience that had a direct impact on one of his collection concepts. It is difficult to choose one or two events because each has shaped my artistic journey uniquely.” He continues, saying, “I have always found inspiration in the people and the environment around me. The abundant and magnificent landscape surrounding us, our nation’s rich cultural legacy, and even the enigmatic flora and animals have all served as sources of inspiration for me. Consequently, my collections over the years have demonstrated my adherence to different ideologies and design sensibilities! I enjoy experimenting with various textures and appliques, such as vivid floral motifs and three-dimensional embroidered flowers and leaves, which serve as a welcome memory of a season when everything blooms and inspires me. Every piece of clothing draws inspiration from historical fashion, genuine people, and a modern take on traditional Indian embroidery that speaks to a worldwide audience.” What a unique perspective on young charm!
“My creations are intended for every bride who wants to pave her own route, steer clear of traditional weddings, and infuse her own modern style into them to create a whole new kind of custom. The modern bride wants to seem put together, understated but strong, and like herself in her clothes. Every new collection of mine is designed with the idea that today’s self-assured and strong women choose a more modern, understated, and commanding appearance over the classic bridal gown. And my most recent Pret Collection, The Holiday Edit, is centred around flowing, carefree, yet elegant silhouettes that capture the essence of bright days and peaceful nights. In addition, I am working on my next spring/summer couture collection,” the celebrity designer concluded.