Clothes that feel like second skin, that’s TT (Tarun Tahiliani), for you. As we gear up for yet another fantabulous showcase at India Couture Week, Tarun Tahiliani lets us into his world of ‘Otherworldly,’ a journey into a realm where comfort and ethereal beauty co-exist seamlessly. From silhouettes that’ve embraced evolution yet managed to retain a rustic elegance to reimagined traditional surface ornamentation techniques, the collection is set to be a visual fiesta. Read our chat with the designer below:
ELLE: Having dabbled in both couture and prêt, what according to you makes couture relevant in this day and age?
Tarun Tahiliani: In India, we have worn handmade clothes for centuries, making it the norm rather than the exception. However, as lifestyles have evolved, with more constructed clothing, wearing heels and dancing till dawn, our traditional garments have become more and more constricting. While embroidery is celebrated, visually beautiful clothes can sometimes feel like uncomfortable cages for women.
ELLE: Kindly give us a peek into the name and the inspiration of your collection.
Tarun Tahiliani: This collection is built around our foundational pillars based on the evolution of multiple themes, which all tie into each other consistently, creating a synchronicity. It is about aspiring to a higher, transcended self. It’s about feeling powerful, beautiful, and completely at ease in what you wear. This is not just fashion; it’s a feeling, an experience, a celebration of who we are today. Our goal is to create ethereal, soft clothing that honours our heritage without causing discomfort as we are committed to blending technology and tradition to create otherworldly, comfortable clothing that celebrates heritage but feels like a second skin.
These clothes are not just going to be visually stunning; they will empower you with their caress and lightness. I aim for a modern yet timeless sense of self in my designs, avoiding the ostentation of nouveau fashion. The show will also see beautiful precious jewellery by Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang and Shree Jee Jaipur and modern, sleek and sharp shoes by Aquazzura to complement the ethereal ensembles that glide through the runway. This collection and show will be a synthesis of multiple cultures and ideas, reflecting the multifaceted modern Indian identity – of who we are!
ELLE: What silhouettes, colour palettes and embellishments were utilised?
Tarun Tahiliani: In this collection, we have incorporated Swarovski crystals and hand embroidery with aari and zardozi, blending the old with the new. Our show will be a peek inside this otherworld of unique juxtapositions – imagine embroidered motifs on sheer fabrics contrasting against marble jaalis. Traditional crafts like Kashidakar, Mukaish and Chikankari are reimagined through an evolving contemporary lens. As our vision evolves, so do our unique juxtapositions, like monochromatic Pichwai, carpets and blooms.
ELLE: Name a yesteryear Hollywood muse who would do justice to this collection of yours.
Tarun Tahiliani: Elizabeth Taylor
