New Delhi: Renowned Indian fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani captivated audiences on the seventh day of India Couture Week 2024 with his latest collection, ‘Otherworldly.’ Held at The Ashok, Delhi, the showcase highlighted a stunning blend of regal elegance and modern comfort, paying homage to India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship.
Tahiliani’s collection, celebrated for its fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary innovation, was a standout highlight of the event. The designer described his vision:
“Imagine being enveloped in a cocoon–feeling safe, cared for, and in complete harmony with your body and transcending into a new phase of self-confidence and awareness. To me, that is the world I aspire to create through our couture. ‘Otherworldly’ is a journey into a realm where comfort and ethereal beauty coexist seamlessly.”
Emphasizing Comfort and Innovation
Breaking away from the conventional notion that couture equates to discomfort, Tahiliani emphasized the importance of blending technology with tradition to create garments that feel like a second skin. He noted:
“We’re committed to blending technology and tradition to create otherworldly, comfortable clothing that feels like a second skin. Beauty may be subjective, but comfort and fit are not.”
Diverse Silhouettes and Traditional Crafts
The collection featured a variety of silhouettes, including flowing lehengas, intricately draped sarees, and structured bodices, all designed to offer both elegance and ease. Traditional crafts like Kashidakar, Mukaish, and Chikankari were reimagined with a contemporary touch, incorporating Swarovski crystals, aari embroidery, and zardozi. Unique design elements such as monochromatic Pichwai, carpets, and blooms added to the collection’s innovative approach, presenting a modern yet timeless sense of style.
Menswear and Accessories
Menswear pieces, including embroidered sherwanis, modern bandhgalas, and crisp kurtas, stood out with their sharp, tailored silhouettes and sophisticated color palette dominated by black. The integration of traditional motifs with sheer fabrics and marble jaalis highlighted the collection’s balance between heritage and modernity.
The ethereal ensembles were complemented by jewelry from Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang and Shree Jee Jaipur, footwear by Aquazzura, and makeup by MAC, with hairstyling by Aveda enhancing the overall look. The soundtrack, curated by Jayant Arora, mixed soulful Indian voices with global influences, including tracks from ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ to Amy Winehouse, reflecting the multifaceted modern Indian identity.
Historic Double Presentation
In a historic move, Tahiliani’s show was presented twice on the same day to accommodate the overwhelming demand from the audience that could not all be seated for the initial presentation.
Conclusion
India Couture Week 2024, which commenced on July 24, continues to be a celebration of fashion excellence. The event will conclude on July 31 with Falguni Shane Peacock’s grand finale presentation, capping off a week of remarkable fashion showcases.
