Varoin Marwah
Dubai-based menswear designer Varoin Marwah is putting a nice little bookmark to his fledgling eponymous label. Four years after he launched, the former model is making his Fashion Forward (FFWD) debut this week with a brand new collection. He gave The Directory access to a few exclusive sketches, talked about the collection and the next chapter for his rising menswear label.
How does it feel to make your FFWD debut?
Learning and being mentored by the best in the industry is a complete blessing. I am taking this debut as a huge opportunity to absorb as much as possible from the enriching experience. The way we are nurtured as designers at FFWD is beyond words. Experts from different parts of the world and industry are working closely with us local designers, which in turn is creating a brilliant amount of awareness not just about fashion but about the entire international process of the fashion industry.
Tell us a little bit more about the collection.
Aquadip is inspired from the beauty of the ocean. Colours drawn from the deep blue waters of the ocean and the reflection of the blue grey sky on the water with greens deriving from reflections of trees and underwater plant life. Ocean waves are translated in a geometrical form of a chevron pattern.
What kind of pieces are you going to showcase?
The pieces for my spring-summer 2017 collection comprise of various futuristic looks. The collection has a flow which has everything from jumpsuits, shirts with interesting layers and closures. You can expect some sport-chic jackets and even ultra glamorous formal suits for the futuristic man. The collection has a lot of future reflected throughout and I am a firm believer in pushing the boundaries.
Why FFWD?
I always wanted to be nurtured by the best and FFWD is the finest platform that any fashion designer aspires to be nurtured by within the region. They have the widest reach and provide local talent [with] world-class international exposure. Right from the top experts from the industry to learn from, the right buyers to further your business to the world wide media exposure... FFWD has the finest blend that any brand wishes to receive.
What were you doing before you decide to launch your label full time?
I have had a vast experience in various interesting fields, right from modelling in my early days to events management, to being in aviation and styling men, I have been busy developing myself and doing everything that I enjoyed. Events taught me the backstage management while aviation provided me with great travel exposure and taught me how to manage different situations. Styling kept me glued with the fashion trends and modelling definitely gave me the confidence that I cherish. I was a finalist at the prestigious Grasim Mister India in 2003 and spent one month being groomed by the finest experts from the industry. Imagine being trained for a month by the likes of Indian veterans such as Prasad Bidappa to Subi Samuel to Sabira Merchant. What you gain is priceless and that’s the biggest win one gets out of these platforms.
What were the challenges in getting your label off the ground in the UAE?
The challenges are minimal in this region. The support from every aspect is immense. I have had my share of challenges professionally but nothing to do with the region. In fact, I can proudly say the UAE has the most supportive and encouraging body for any designer to start up. Fashion in general is a big thing in UAE, people love to be on point here and definitely have the best to choose from the wide spread of the best international and regional designer labels.
Why do you continue to be based here in the UAE?
UAE connects the world. It has such a beautiful mix of the entire world in one place. You get exposed to every culture, experience different values and exchange different ideas with each other. We are blessed to be here as what we experience here on daily basis is priceless. I have travelled the world but I can tell you that this city has magic. It spoils you with the best of everything and it definitely is the best decision to be based in the UAE.
What next for you?
I am looking forward to be at FFWD because it encourages upcoming brands like mine to push ourselves forward. I am looking forward to the different programmes like Epic, the mentoring programme. FFWD measures its growth [by] the growth of the regional designers, which gives all of us enough confidence.
Go get yours
For more on Varoin Marwah, go to varoinmarwah.net. Fashion Forward (FFWD) runs from October 20 to 23 at the Dubai Design District (d3). Limited tickets priced at Dh100 (one-day pass) and Dh200 (three-day pass) are available on platinumlist.net. Registration is mandatory. Go to fashionforward.ae.
