“Elegant, everlasting and versatile,” says Masoom Minawala to describe Varun Bahl’s latest FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week line. After two years since the pandemic, fashion week has returned with a physical showcase in New Delhi, India. Day 1 of the on-ground showcase kicked off the exciting line-up with the best that Indian fashion has to offer. On March 23, 2022, the global influencer took the runway as the showstopper for the renowned couturier who presented a celebration of intricate hand-embroidery, diaphanous textiles and delicate silhouettes with his collection 'Quintessential'. “I have always loved Varun Bahl’s work. I am an admirer of the femininity and etherealness of his pieces. It was so exciting to walk the runway for him and mark my debut on the Indian runway as a showstopper,” shares Masoom with us.
Featuring classic saris and lehengas along with contemporary separates like trousers, tunics, jackets and dresses, Varun’s new outing blended his signature romantic embroidery with a hint of fun and glamour using upcycled patchworks. Each piece was kept lightweight yet statement-making keeping the modern bride and her tribe in mind. “Right from light lehengas and easy separates to draped dupattas and veils, Varun’s latest collection has such a wide array of options that shows his range as a designer,” Masoom says, revealing her thoughts about the 'Quintessential' line.
Elaborating on the inspiration, Varun says, “With ‘Quintessential’, every piece is inspired by real people, our design history, and takes on modern traditional Indian embroideries with accents from all across the world. I wanted to bring about a sense of romanticism and dreamy romantic ensembles, and I think with the curvilinear lines, exemplary embellishments, and delicate forms and layers, we were able to do justice to that vision on the runway.”
Varun’s timeless, trans-seasonal approach to couture perfectly falls in line with Masoom’s personal style which remains independent of trends. “Varun’s creations have a delicate femininity to them and I see that as a continued essence of how I dress up too, so there’s definitely a match there,” reinstates Masoom. “It’s also very interesting how Varun has used upcycled fabrics and patchworks to highlight the outfits in the most sophisticated fashion. It only shows how Varun is really pushing the boundary with couture,” she adds, speaking of the 'Quintessential' garments that can be easily mixed and matched for multiple wedding occasions, from a destination pool party to an OTT sangeet.
Masoom played muse to Varun in a blush pink lehenga, comprising thread embroidery and bead work rendering itself as floral motifs. The sleeveless blouse, with sexy sheer details, was accented with the same embellishments and bore beaded tassels on the hem. The set was rounded off with a cape-style dupatta draped on the shoulders and an emerald layered necklace by Amaris By Prerna Rajpal. While this blush lehenga is apt for a bride who favours pastels, Masoom favoured another piece for the next summer wedding on her calendar. “If I had to pick one piece from 'Quintessential' for the next wedding I attend, it would be this gorgeous white lehenga with a floral border. That would definitely be my first pick as a bridesmaid or a guest,” she concludes.