IMAGES: Spanish styles meet saris on the Indian runway

Designer Suneet Varma celebrated 25 years in the Indian fashion industry with a spectacular showing in New Delhi on November 24. Take a look.

A quarter of a century in any profession is quite a milestone, so it's hardly surprising that Suneet Varma's 25th anniversary was celebrated in style this past weekend in Delhi.

Friends, colleagues and clientele of the high-profile designer attended his Fall/Winter 2012 Couture showing at the The Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri and both the collection and the setting were truly spectacular.

A circular ramp and grand backdrop saw Varma's latest offerings from 'A Passage to India', a line inspired by three princesses -- Princess of Kapurthala Anita Delgado, Princess Niloufer of Hyderabad and Bannu Pan Dei, Princess of Chamba. The creations, therefore, sought to capture "the antiquity of an era when beautiful women from exotic lands around the world travelled to India and married royal maharajas, bringing a Western element into the traditional Indian aesthetic".

As a result, the outfits were a blend of ethnic and Western wear, particularly dramatic Spanish influences since Princess of Kapurthala Anita Delgado was a Spanish flamenco dancer and singer.

Varma also unveiled a couture handcrafted shoe line with his fall 2012 collection, embellished with zardosi, pearls, lace, zari, thread embroidery and Swarovski crystals.

Here's a glimpse of the runway action, starting with this stunning black and white two-tiered lehenga and corset choli, embellished with lace and threadwork.

Next we have supermodel Nethra Raghuraman in a daring beaded waistcoat that flashes a lot of flesh, and paisley print ghagra.

Another bold black number with sheer panels and a hint of sparkle takes to the ramp, complete with theatrical headgear.

The designer offers up a hint of colour with this salmon pink and black lace peplum affair, topped off with a tasselled stole.

Vibrant orange comes into focus with this pleated and tiered tulle skirt and matching satin poncho blouse.

Rachel Bayros is a sexy senorita in a vintage-style Charleston dress, carrying a feathered fan for added effect.

Varma sends out a stunning sheer chiffon sari, decked out with striking embroidery and set off with a dramatic black veil.

Floral accents dotted with pearls bring out the best in a cocktail sari.

An extravagant pale gold and white lehenga embellished with crystals makes a bridal statement.

This unique ensemble seems to move from India into Spain, as a dupatta and ethnic jacket are combined with mid-length Spanish skirt and high heels.

A royal gold zari and rosette-embellished drape is the cynosure of all eyes; don't miss the tassels on the pallav.

The richness of embroidery continues with this luxurious waistcoat, lined with real pearls.

A model strikes a pose in a delicate tulle salwar-like number.

Varma's showstopper, a vibrant red and gold lehenga with Spanish accents, takes to the runway.

His muses line up for a final glimpse of 'A Passage to India' in its entirety.

The designer makes his way out as the audience gives him a round of deafening applause.