What: A showcase of Varun Bahl’s spring/summer ’18  collection

Where: The Loft, Quest, 6th floor When: May 4 and 5, 11am-9pm

Varun Bahl was “enjoying” the Delhi heat when t2 caught up with him over phone on Tuesday afternoon. We are suffering in the Calcutta heat too, we told him. “Isn’t it thunderstorming in Calcutta?” he asked. The designer was prepping for his Calcutta trip on May 4, for a showing at The Loft at Quest. Hear it from Varun why he loves to come back to Calcutta and The Loft.

Welcome back to The Loft and Calcutta...

It’s lovely. Shivika (Goenka) is lovely to work with. Calcutta is a great city to be back in. I’ll be there for a couple of days. 

Your collection looks just right for a summer wedding.

It’s mixed actually. There are non-bridal ready-to-wear pieces too. 

And people are wearing whites for weddings...

Oh yeah, yeah! It’s evolved slowly... in fact girls want to only wear these colours now. To be honest, clothes look beautiful in white, and especially in summer. 

If you are shopping for a summer wedding, what are the things you should keep in mind?

At whatever time you are getting married, comfort is the key. Balance is very important. You cannot be overdressed and you cannot be underdressed. And it’s always about enhancing your personality. There is no such thing like being heavily dressed just because you are the bride. Do not succumb to any kind of pressure. 

Any key pieces you recommend?

I think a beautiful, light-base, mul, printed lehnga, with a nice, minimal blouse and a gauzy dupatta. The lehnga can be airy with a touch of embroidery. That essentially becomes a summer must-have. I would say definitely one of my beautiful butterfly blouses. A handwoven sari is also a must. 

What about colours?

White, and then build up on white. Pastels. Just feel cool! 

We know you love black. Is there a trick to doing black in summer?

Varun Bahl has come down from all-black to little accents of black! I am actually enjoying colours on myself. You never know, you might see me in a pink T-shirt with a black bundi. There are people who wear black in summer. For them it’s not about summer or winter but about black being their favourite colour. You can mix your blacks. Wear a pair of white trousers, a nice-coloured T-shirt or shirt and a black layer over it.

Text: Saionee Chakraborty