Indian Designers
VARUN BAHL

Since its inception in 2001, the label Varun Bahl is inextricably tied to its signature surface ornamentation, simple clean silhouettes and a fusion of textures... and that means you may find block printing, appliqué or embroidery on an ensemble crafted from fabrics with distinctive textures. During his Spring Summer 2003 showing at White in Italy, a jury of top 10 Italian Design Stores voted Bahl's collection 'Best of the season' from among 20 participants hailing from different countries. That influential prestige and the label's chic designs launched him into the big league. 

"I have always wanted to be a designer. I started small in 2001 and my first milestone so to speak was an instant success with Ensemble the following year. The learning process continued and instilled in me the confidence to exhibit my collection in Milan, which got me huge orders. I think my earlier years studying an evening course at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, working alongside my brother to create and sell ideas to Houses like Armani and Kenzo have all helped lead me to this moment," he had once told me during fashion week, pausing to add: "Mature, chic and experimental is how I see my clientele. My design aesthetic is similar because I do not blindly follow trends. I take up a theme, give it a twist and make it mine." His words transport me to his couture showing: Minimal make-up, no accessories or jewellery, antique silhouettes, and tiaras like those of Russian empresses—his tribute to the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna.

Revered in the industry since years, Varun Bahl has become a household name with the launch of luxury fashion label Karan Johar+Varun Bahl—collaboration between two icons from the fields of fashion and films with the sole intent of creating a high-end line of menswear for the contemporary male.

— Jasmeen Dugal