TARUN AT 30

Tarun Tahiliani reflects on his fashion journey as his label completes three decades of decadence in couture with a stylish bridal edit, ‘Quintessence’

- SHARMISTHA GHOSAL

DESPITE the exquisite and elaborate couture that Tarun Tahiliani stands for, the veteran designer firmly believes that whatever endures is never loud.

His latest couture and bridal edit, ‘Quintessence’, that celebrates 30 years of his eponymous label, has all the essence of his aesthetics and emotions meticulously crafted in each piece. Rooted in tradition, as always, the collection showcased at Hyundai India Couture Week in The Oberoi, New Delhi, was elegance personified. The structured yet fluid silhouettes exhibited soft drapes replete with intricate embroideries in pearls, crystals and silk threads.

Tahiliani’s latest collection is a far cry from the excesses of Indian wedding fashion, which makes it palatable to the modern brides, who are tilting towards a lightweight, feel-easy trousseau.

The new range is indeed a distinct departure from TT’s signature heavy lehengas with elaborate work. The showcase reiterated Tarun’s innate ability as a designer to cater to the ever-evolving sartorial demands of the time, which has helped the brand survive and thrive for three decades in the business of bridal fashion with panache. “My collections build on themselves, but from what I’m told by the audience, it fitted like a glove. The differences are very nuanced and technical, apart from the actual difference in embroidery and silhouettes,” says Tahiliani, when asked about how different ‘Quintessence’ is from his previous collections.

Excerpts from the interview:

You completed 30 glorious years in fashion. How do you look back?