“The only Chemistry I knew was that C+O2 = CO2 and H2+0 = H20,” laughs Tarun Tahiliani as he browses through an array of designs on paper while recalling the days he embraced fashion. Twenty years seem a long time for anyone to get a foothold in the industry, that’s how long. Tarun was learning the love of his life; now he is enjoying his place under the sun. In Hyderabad, for the launch of the latest bridal gold collection of Azva, Tarun is a man of unhurried ease. “I have clarity,” laughs Tarun when one asks him about what he is looking forward to in the New Year.
While his only store in the South is in Hyderabad, it has been creating a buzz, proving that Tarun has his eyes on the fashion pulse of South Indians. “The store often sees a visitor from Vizag or Chennai picking up stuff. Hyderabad has a different style of fashion. In day to day dressing, one sees less grooming among people here. However, there are sophisticated families with super fine taste,” he informs.
His creations too have a contemporary feel without losing the essence of tradition. “It is about styling beautiful weaves in a contemporary way. The textiles can be tweaked to match the tastes. Like the Kanjeevarams that can be worn over a jacket or how sexy a humble mangalagiri would look when paired with a Victorian blouse,” he says as he shows us photos of his designs on his mobile.
Online fashion is the new mantra and the young generation’s wardrobe now comes at the click of a mouse. Tarun is realistic: “One has no choice but embrace every situation,” he smiles, adding his point of view, “The only problem with online shopping is one can’t tell quality. I once had a fight with a socialite because she was reviewing a collection on television. One can’t tell the difference between a polyester and silk when you look at it on screen. It is a big thing in the West because they are all working and have no time and the sizes are all standard. The whole point of retail therapy is to go to a shop, try a beautiful sari, place it on self, drape it and feel sensual. Online shopping is like a bubble ruining the market,” he says.
Tarun also presented his collection inspired from the art works of Amrit and Rabindra from UK recently. Talk about the Singh twins and Tarun’s eyes glow with excitement. “Amrit and Rabindra are identical twins. They were discriminated and as a political statement, they dress identically and paint together. Their speciality is contemporary painting in a miniature style. Look at this painting which showcases the Golden Temple. I am obsessed with the Singh twins,” he says and adds, “It is their strong identity which showcases what it is to be an Indian.”
Then there are his gold designs. He says, gold looks beautiful on an Indian skin. “Look at this gold piece… it can be worn as a bride, on black dress or on jeans,” he says pointing to a photograph. He likes the younger crop of designers like “Amit Agarwal for technique, Arjun Saluja and 11.11. It is exciting to watch them but so many young designers are caught up in this thing to be famous. There is a lot of pressure from the system, which tries to suck them. It takes years to develop,” he states.
Finally any New Year resolution? “I have started meditating and I feel much better. If I don’t lose weight, I think I have to do bariatric surgery.”
