Style it own like you it
Indian couturier Tarun Tahiliani talks bridal fashion, showstoppers and why it’s never a good idea to steal someone else’s design
FOR ALL THOSE brides looking towards Bollywood for inspiration this wedding season, ace designer Tarun Tahiliani has one piece of advice. “What fits Katrina or Deepika’s 5ft7” zero size bodies are not good for every bride.” It’s indeed a stern message for those wishing to replicate their favourite star’s look for their own special day. “Make sure you work your designer,” Tahiliani continues. “Ensure the designer creates for you, something which represents and enhances YOU.” So it’s all about being body positive, being yourself and most importantly looking the best you can on your D-day. “Elegance” is the key word in Tahiliani’s bridal lexicon as opposed to being “over the top.” Excerpts from a recent interview with Tarun Tahiliani as the designer returns to the city once again to showcase ‘In Elysium’, his Couture and Autumn/winter collection which includes concept saris, lehengas, bombers, draped kurtas, kaftans, jersey tops, dresses, jumpsuits and scarfs in silk, tulle, brocade and bandhini at the Shangri La Hotel on September 17 and 18 (11am to 8pm).
Today every bride wants to don a designer gown for her wedding and most often than not Bollywood is a huge inspiration when it comes to what a bride would like to wear.
I am flattered that most young brides want to be seen in a Tarun Tahiliani. We started our occasion wear lines to reach out to even more brides, grooms and bridesmaids. In a country, where we have very few icons from society, sports, media in the spotlight, it is but natural that Bollywood becomes our influencer.
What’s the first bit of advice you’d give brides-to-be coming to your event?
The best bridal dress, would be a mirror to your dreams, desires and most importantly, your persona. BE YOURSELF, don’t go like a someone
being caparisoned off. It is not how many kilos of embroidery you have on your garment; it is how beautifully fit your garment is. Choose the colours well. Select stylish silhouettes.
Over years do you find a difference in the expectations from a bridal designer?
Today brides with cuts and are colours more on open their to D-day. experimentation Destination wedding on an exotic island or beach dramatically impacts their dress choices. Brides opt for lighter, fresher, featherweight fabrics in aquatic or sunset shade. If Udaipur or Johnpur, is destination select, then brides reflect the regal grandeur of Royal Rajasthan with heavy embellishments, traditional silhouettes and big jewels.
Based on your experience what does it take for an Irandian designer to make it big in the West?
Today the Design Wear There are several West Industry. is challenges looking at India in the as Western a market. I don't recommend any designer should leave home ground and head West, at a time when everyone in the West is heading East. Serve your market honestly, serve our natural extension markets - like Dubai. What do we have to sell to Italians in winter?
What drives you to design today – is it different from how it was when you started out in this field?
What keeps me motivated today is my pure love of design. I get up and I am thinking about it and that’s all I want to consume my life with. It’s unfortunately, also, what became a giant self-indulgence, so now we are a little more careful to balance commercial considerations with my love of design.
Do clothes make a man or is it a man’s innate style that makes the clothes stand out?
Style is all about the person, and the personality it is individuality. As we are crossing borders and moving towards global fashion we are looking at comfort, lightness and structure rather than heavily embellished outfits that inhibit movement in this fast-paced age.