Fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani loves to be different and that’s what he’s constantly striving for…
From the first solo show in London in 1994, how much have you changed over the years as a designer? How has the journey been?
Hard! And lots of fun! I am constantly plagued by the next step. How do I reinvent myself? How do I change the design aesthetic to stay rooted to its culture and yet be modern and wearable? I have considered various aspects of design — reinventing the silhouette, reducing the amount of fabric to make something more wearable and chic, experimenting with embroideries, creating my own brocades. Now I’m working on making things less embellished, more stylised, now I think I’m on a less-is-more trip! I am constantly told by my team — “but - this is not possible”. And then somehow, it is! And it’s miraculous.
You are one of India’s most coveted designers; speaking from the point of view of someone who’s been around so long, what do you think sets a designer apart from another?
My point is that there are many designers who have great creative ideas and can visualise brilliant creations; but what is the edge that makes him stand out? I think the execution of an idea is the hardest part. Ideas are a dime a dozen. The ability to execute one’s vision exactly as one sees it, translate it for someone else and find people who understand it — that is what sets a designer apart.
You have dressed up an amazing line of celebrities. Who have been some of your favourite clients? And also, do you think celebrity endorsement is imperative when it comes to making a designer popular?
I love dressing Mehr Jessia and Shilpa Shetty for sheer grace and sophistication. Celebrity endorsement is to me like the chicken and egg story. Look at Alexander McQueen, he was first noticed because of his brilliance, celebrities started to endorse the label much later. Celebrity endorsement definitely gives the designer a boost, but if he does not have talent, no celebrity can save him.
Whether it is your saris, other bridal creations or western wear — there is an old world charm to most of your clothes; is that how you are as a person or do you think this specific sense of aesthetics helps a designer to sell better, strategically speaking?
I think old world charm stands for quality, workmanship, fine embroidery which we will never compromise on. It’s the basis of the Tarun Tahiliani Design Studio. We strive to create pieces that will be passed on for generations. “It’s a vintage Tarun Tahiliani” sounds nice, no?
Does it get hard for you to handle criticism, if any comes your way at all?
I like criticism, it makes me work harder!
If there is one thing you’d like to change the way your life in the fashion industry has shaped up, what would it be?
Personally, I’d like to be thinner!
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