Early Life and Education:
Born in 1964 in New Delhi, India, Suneet Varma grew up surrounded by a family with a rich textile background. His father was a textile consultant, which deeply influenced his early interests. Suneet was raised alongside his sister, Geetika Varma, and brother, Vineet Varma. Initially, he pursued sculpting in London, completing a foundation course in sculpting and painting before shifting his focus to fashion. He graduated from the London College of Fashion with a degree in costume history.
Career Beginnings:
Suneet’s career began in 1986 as an intern with the Yves Saint Laurent label in Paris. He then worked on a denim project with the Lalbhai group (Arvind Mills) in Ahmedabad, which collaborated with fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt. His first significant fashion show took place in 1991.
Rise to Fame:
In 1987, Suneet launched his first couture collection after returning from Europe, where he mastered traditional artisanal techniques. In 2009, he opened his eponymous boutique at DLF Emporio in Delhi. Over the years, Suneet has collaborated with prestigious brands such as BMW, Judith Leiber, Azva by World Gold Council, Moet Chandon, Arttdinox by Jindal Steel, Faces by the Sartorialist, and Swarovski.
Signature Collections and Themes:
Known for his thematic couture collections, Suneet’s 2010 collection, “The Pirates of Couture,” was inspired by fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez’s book “Antonio’s Tales from the Thousand & One Nights.” In July 2011, he presented a collection themed on the Kamasutra. His 2014 shows were inspired by “The Princess of Shekhawati” and “Josephine Baker, The Flapper Girl.”
Global Influence and Collaborations:
Suneet has gained international acclaim, particularly for his collaboration with Judith Leiber, where his minaudières are sold worldwide in boutiques across Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, Tokyo, and major stores like Harrods in London and Bergdorf Goodman in New York. His designs are favored by Hollywood celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Mariah Carey, and Jennifer Lopez, as well as Bollywood stars like Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, and Kangana Ranaut.
Industry Leadership:
Since 2007, Suneet has been the face of BMW Motors, hosting events and car unveilings. He has also collaborated with Swarovski for over a decade, contributing to trend forecasts and participating in various projects. As Moet & Chandon’s brand ambassador from 2000 to 2005, Suneet hosted shows and events across India and Southeast Asia.
Television and Media Presence:
In 1997, Suneet hosted “Suneet Varma’s Style Guru” on Star World, India’s first international fashion and style program. He interviewed prominent figures like Tom Ford, Oscar de la Renta, and Yves Saint Laurent. His insights on fashion are highly regarded in the media.
Bollywood and Beyond:
Suneet has closely worked with Bollywood, designing costumes for high-profile films such as “Monsoon Wedding” and “Kites.” His work has been recognized with multiple “Designer of the Year” awards by the Bollywood Fashion Council in NYC. His collections are retailed in Delhi, Mumbai, and various international cities.
Notable Projects and Achievements:
Suneet’s collaborations extend to designing menswear for Tuscan Verve, styling advertising campaigns for top Indian companies, and showcasing collections at major fashion weeks in Milan, Rome, London, Paris, New York, and more. He has worked with the Government of India to revive traditional handlooms and has showcased collections at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Design Philosophy:
“My work reflects my inspiration and state of mind. That sense of intoxication translates into superbly mad and sexy clothing,” says Suneet. His designs embody fantasy, sophistication, and femininity, driven by a passion for art and beauty.
Current Endeavors:
As the Managing Director of Suneet Varma Design Pvt. Ltd., Suneet oversees a design studio and manufacturing operations with over 200 employees. He continues to be a pivotal figure in Indian fashion, celebrated for his creativity and contributions to the industry.
