Be it the eye-catching motifs in zardozi embroidery or the colourful florals that define the luxurious Pashmina shawls, Indian fashion has long been defined by the opulent intricacies of its designs. But fashion evolves with time, and today, designers are exploring more ways to give a new definition to our rich design heritage. Case in point, the rise of minimalist Indian fashion.
Now, don’t get us wrong, the two are not necessarily juxtaposed. Rather, combining minimalism with Indian designs adds a touch of sombre elegance to it, making it a perfect sartorial choice for formal occasions.
That being said, the recent Team India Olympic uniforms have received a lot of criticism lately for being too minimal for many people’s taste. Designed by veteran couturier Tarun Tahiliani via Tasva, the ceremonial outfits feature ikat-inspired prints along the borders of the outfits.
Below, we speak to the ace designer about his thoughts on the minimalist wave in fashion and the uniforms.
ELLE: Minimalism in Indian fashion. What’s your take on the disinclination of our masses towards it?
Tarun Tahiliani: Minimalism in Indian fashion is a nuanced topic. Traditionally, Indian fashion has been synonymous with opulence, vibrant colors, and intricate embellishments, which reflect our rich cultural heritage. This inclination towards grandeur often makes minimalism seem less appealing to the masses.
However, I believe minimalism in fashion doesn’t mean compromising on elegance or tradition. It’s about refined simplicity and focusing on quality, comfort, and craftsmanship. There is a growing segment that appreciates this understated elegance, and it’s our responsibility as designers to educate and showcase how minimalism can still honor our heritage while offering a modern, sophisticated aesthetic.
ELLE: The fashion landscape has been a slave to big spectacles and statements in recent years. Do you think it’s a bit harsh on brands aiming to celebrate subtlety as a virtue and how do they cope with this blow?
Tarun Tahiliani: The fashion landscape indeed gravitates towards grand spectacles and bold statements, given the big fat Indian wedding culture. It can often overshadow the quiet beauty of subtlety. However, this doesn’t diminish the value or relevance of brands that celebrate subtlety as a virtue.
Brands that focus on understated elegance cope by staying true to their core values and consistently delivering exceptional quality and craftsmanship. They create a loyal following among discerning customers who appreciate sophistication over ostentation. It’s about communicating the philosophy behind subtle designs effectively. Over time, the market evolves, and there’s always a place for timeless, elegant fashion that speaks softly yet profoundly.
ELLE: What’s your comprehensive stance on the flak received for the ceremonial outfits for Olympics?
Tarun Tahiliani: As a designer, feedback is always valuable, whether positive or critical. The ceremonial outfits for the Olympics were created with a deep sense of pride and an intention to blend tradition with modernity. Our aim was to showcase India’s rich heritage while ensuring comfort and functionality for our athletes. The use of ikat inspired prints, modern silhouettes, and practical details were carefully chosen to represent ‘India Modern’.
It’s important to clarify that the intention was never to present haute couture; the brief was to design functional and comfortable uniforms for the athletes. A significant issue has been the imagery circulating online, which originates from the unveiling ceremony. These images of the garments on mannequins were not properly shot and do not do justice to the true quality and elegance of the outfits.
It’s important to view this all as part of the creative process. Fashion is subjective, and not every design resonates with everyone. We respect the diverse opinions of the fashion community and the public. Ultimately, our goal remains to represent India with dignity and pride on the global stage. We firmly stand by our work and the thoughtful process that went into creating these ceremonial outfits.
Additionally, the designer was quoted saying, “We did not aim for haute couture; our focus was on creating functional and comfortable uniforms for our athletes. We are proud and gratified by the positive feedback we’ve received, especially from the athletes themselves. We recognize that in a diverse country like India, opinions will vary, and we welcome all perspectives. Our ultimate goal remains to represent India with dignity and pride on the global stage.
We at Tasva feel that the best way to represent the country is the tricolor. And we feel that when the athletes wore the tricolor designs and sailed past the Seine River, it was a powerful imagery and a very proud moment for all us Indians.”
