For Varun Nidhika, It’s The Wearer, And Not The Outfit That Takes Center Stage

In a chat with Manifest, Varun and Nidhika, the duo behind their eponymous label, share their approach to dressing brides, which centers around individuality and self-expression rather than simply wearing what looks pretty. Their philosophy is simple: it's about you, and not what you wear. As they gear up for their showcase at the upcoming FDCI Manifest Weekend, they talk about staying true to oneself, the importance of comfort, and how the personalized approach can help brides feel their most authentic selves on their big day.

Join us as the designers showcase their creations at the upcoming FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend!

In Conversation with Varun Nidhika

Manifest: What is the USP of the brand? 

Varun: Individuality and personality—it’s either about the individuality or personality, wherein the garments come second. So, we often say that, in our brand, it's not the ensemble, it's you first. So, when we do client meetings or get a chance to engage with any brides who are looking to get something one of a kind, it’s an interesting process of getting to know who they are, what they do, and what we can offer them that can give them an elevated self of their own personality. So, that’s the core, and we’re just adding a layer to it.

Manifest: What are some fashion trends that you think will dominate this wedding season? 

Nidhika: Actually, we are not that trend driven. We follow the bride's feelings and her personality. And we also make all our outfits with full feelings. 

M: Three things you think that to-be-weds need to know when they are choosing their look? 

V: While there are a few cautious pieces of advice, the most prominent one is not to let the garment take over you. It's still you who needs to be seen in all the flamboyance around the wedding!

N: Second is the comfort. The openness of what she wants to do on her wedding day. 

V: It’s also about how she can fully express herself, and be her own self on that day. It should not be performatory on that day. It should be very much like their own self. That would be the best advice according to me.

M: What can brides and grooms expect from your showcase at the wedding weekend? 

V: So, we as a brand work quite closely with our clients. We do offer designer appointments wherein people do require either one of a kind pieces or something tailored to their aspirations. While there is a fine line between what all or what we can do in that. The whole idea about that engagement is to understand their, I would say, aspiration bit and then see how we can, in our zone of aesthetics and our offerings, can give them a styling quotient which elevates them to a next level or a better level of their own selves. 

M: What in your opinion sets the FDCI Manifest Weekend apart? 

V: I think it's the platform—it cannot get bigger than this. FDCI has been instrumental in getting all the creative minds together on one platform, which in itself is the biggest thing. And then there’s Manifest, which, going by their scale, and how they’re covering fashion and Wedding, will get a lot of limelight to this event.  

Cover image credits: Photography: Raju Raman; Styling: Palak Valecha; Hair and Makeup: Neha Singh; Videography: Priyanshu Kharb; Production: Varun Shah

If you want to explore the best of couture, jewellery and all things wedding, head to the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend this August 2–3, 2025, at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. Register here.