A fine blend of couture, crystals and craft, the fifth edition of the annual Couture Exposition of ace couturier Tarun Tahiliani concluded recently in the Capital.
Acclaimed for fusing traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities, Tahiliani is known for designs that incorporate intricate thread work with Lucknow chikankari embroidery, stippled with opals, pearls and swarovski crystals.
“The mantra this season is to convey a sense of opulence and finesse through drapes without an overdose of bling,” says the couture giant who believes that India is not screaming for ethnicity. He finds the task of creating couture that sits lightly on the skin challenging, considering his preference of indulgence with detailing in design.
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With simplicity replacing the gauche gaudiness of celebratory attire, the Indian couture industry isn’t fed just by the demands of the trousseau anymore. “It is like the gold that, unlike yesteryears, doesn’t sit in your lockers for most of the year, brought out only for special occasions,” explains Vipin Sharma, director, World Gold Council, some of whose Azva collection has been designed by Tahiliani.
He has also designed the Encordia collection for the leading diamond brand Forevermark, inspired by the ancient Greek knot of Herakles, symbolising the strongest bonds of love. Rather than the clichés of seasonal trends and colours, Tahiliani believes in the customisation of the fabric and its embellishments to complement the uniqueness of every woman.
The collection will be marketed through Tahiliani’s exclusive stand-alone stores and word of mouth. The exposition was hosted by DLF Emporio which gears for its fifth anniversary celebration. .
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So, when will we see Tarun Tahiliani’s affordable prêt-a-porter? “Much is available at my couture clothing stores and we are working on even more cost-effective ranges but when luxury and intricate detailing are a signature, people cannot expect me to fall beyond a certain mark in terms of price and serve something superficial,” says Tahiliani.
Pardonable, isn’t it?