Suneet Varma On Fashion Being His Calling, the Brides He Adores, and more

Expect nothing less than enchantment when it comes to Suneet Varma and rightly so, because not only is he known for his theatrical runway shows but also for his deeply romantic design language.  

Creativity, for Suneet, has always been instinctive. From his early days as a passionate art student to he was particularly influenced by his mother’s background in music and literature—Suneet believes that fashion should always be a sensorial

experience. 

And ahead of the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend, Suneet aims to present a collection that embodies his signature vision: a blend of opulence, enchantment, and emotion. Brides and grooms can look forward to silhouettes that honour tradition while embracing fantasy, and if you’re particular about every detail, he has you covered there, too.  

In a candid chat with Manifest, the designer opens up about his inspiration, his favourite bit about Indian Weddings and more... 

In Conversation With Suneet Varma 

Manifest: What inspires you to create every day? 
Suneet Varma: “Honestly, I think I’d be terrible at everything else—so thank God I found my true calling [laughs]! This is the only thing I’ve ever known. As a child, I was always drawn to the arts. I was a good art student and also went on to study sculpture. At one point, I considered textiles since my parents were in the business. I remember my father once said, ‘If you sculpt textiles, they become clothing...and that changed everything for me. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. Safe to say, I love what I do.” 

M: What’s your favourite part about Indian weddings? 
SV: “Indian weddings are, in every sense, an all-out celebration. It’s not just about the bride and groom—it’s about two families coming together. It’s about tradition, a touch of humour, joy, food, colour. I think it’s a beautiful culmination of everything India represents.” 

M: Who is a Suneet Varma bride? 
SV: “I’ve been doing this long enough that I’m now dressing the daughters of my earlier brides! Over the years, I’ve worked with so many—from Natasha Poonawalla to Sonam Kapoor and many others. But it’s never really about celebrity. I love working with brides who are soft, open to ideas, and willing to be envisioned through my lens. I find it difficult to design for people who are very rigid or fixed in their choices. I look for a sense of enchantment in a bride—that’s what draws me in.” 

M: What can brides and grooms expect from your showcase at the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend? 
SV: “I’ve often been told—and I believe it too—that I live in a dream world. I don’t function in the ‘real’ world. So for me, every day is about creating my universe filled with joy, beauty, and celebration. That’s exactly what I plan to bring to the showcase. Music plays a huge role in my presentations—my mother was a writer and musician, so I grew up surrounded by music. Expect glamour, mystery, melody, and a whole lot of enchantment...” 

Photography: Harmeet Singh Sana

Styling: Palak Valecha

Hair and Makeup: Riya Saluja

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.