At the launch of BMW’s dealership — on Mathura Road — in the Capital on Friday, as cars zoomed down a screen in the background, Varma interpreted their corresponding decades. If the 1930s saw flapper dresses with trimmings of lace and ribbon and swinging jazz, the ’50s saw A-line skirts, polo necks and fitted jackets. It was the Elvis Age with an abundance of yellow, orange and lime, and red lips.

But it was the Swinging Seventies that saw Varma at his best. “1970s is Zeenat Aman for me,” said the designer, clad in a simple, black, hooded blazer and pants. And we saw it in the bold patterns, fitted jumpsuits, tight pants, halter tees and psychedelic prints. 2007-08 was classy, with gowns and dresses in black and silver. Upping the glam quotient was the fleet of Beemers, including the latest BMW M Coupe, by the catwalk. “It’s all about high fashion and luxury. That’s the common thread between my designs and BMW,” said Varma, a BMW X5 lover himself, who added that was he was going all orient for the coming season of the India Fashion Week. “It’s called the ‘Lure of the Orient’, and I’ve looked beyond China. It’s more about Mongolia, Myanmar and Thailand.”