Suneet Varma

Move over NY, 'Sex and the City' just came to New Delhi! Throw in some wild accessories, mix in lots of attitude, and you have Le Spice - Suneet Varma's pret line.

Move over NY, 'Sex and the City' just came to New Delhi! Throw in some wild accessories, mix in lots of attitude, and you have Le Spice - Suneet Varma's prêt line.

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A fabulous mix of six separate collections, Le Spice was just that - very very spicy. Happy colours like aqua and lime over pure white, huge plastic loop earrings and bracelets and even bigger bags in crazy shapes. "I think my collection reflects how I'm feeling these days - very cheerful and indulgent," Varma said.

Seems like the full-layered skirt is THE outfit of the season. Designers just can't get enough it. But Varma funkified his version with lots of translucent layers in vibrant colours and embellished them with delicate sequins. A personal favourite of Varma's was the lime green translucent skirt with denim waistband, worn with a halter-style denim jacket.

Perhaps the best part of the collection is that everything is priced between Rs 800-2,200! College girls can save up their allowances and head to any Shopper's Stop outlet around the country and choose from tonnes of separates like polka dotted boy shorts, embroidered capris, flirty dresses in chiffon and yes, the ubiquitous kurta.

Amongst the wild and colourful collections came a bit of a pleasant surprise in the 20's Hollywood-inspired pastel chiffon dresses. Extremely feminine and glamorous, the flowing knee-length dresses were accessorised with old-fashion glam pear necklaces and soft scarves. The shoes too were very glam - gold mules and slingbacks.

The six separate collections had one thing in common - they all celebrated the feminine form like no other collection so far. And they all were very cheerful and happy-looking.

"I think the Indian customer gravitates towards colour, and feels even more satisfied if there are some embellishments with that," feels Varma who has made this his thumbrule while designing.

Style tips from the Style Guru himself? Here are three items that Varma feels are must-haves:

1. A short printed chiffon dress without embellishments to make you feel sexy
2. A bright and vibrant article of clothing to lift your spirits
3. And something a tad expensive to update your wardrobe, at least once a year.

With Suneet Varma opening up six outlets in Delhi by next Spring - Le Spice seems to be all set to spice up the capital.

THE OTHER VIEW: Cool, light, spicy
Vinod Nair/HT City

Breathe easy. The first show of the second day at the Lakme India Fashion Week invited you to stay cool. Bright colours, breezy garments and very wearable lines marked Suneet Varma's LeSpice showing. The designer moved away from winter fashion conventions and unleashed a riot of colours like aqua blue, orange, yellow and lime green before a packed house. The silhouettes were both fitted and fluid, and the garments had interesting hemlines like handkerchiefs. Asymmetrical and layered garments were also seen.

There were very short structured jackets with over-sized buttons, skirts with extra-large pockets and button flaps, ultra low skirts ending just above the ankle, long jackets with multicoloured embroidery and pencilpants with ankle embroidery. Sequins were used cleverly, and the garments -- light and breezy -- had a `resort' feel.

Rate-o-meter
Wearability: 9
Presentation: 8
Front Row: The designer's best pal Ravi Bajaj, design diva Ritu Kumar, and his inspiration, mother Indira Varma. Besides, of course, foreign buyers.
Buzz factor: 8
Late-o-meter: 20 minutes