Lakme Fashion Week: Women no longer want to dress like a Christmas tree, says veteran designer Tarun Tahiliani

Renowned designer Tarun Tahiliani says he is proud to be an Indian and, for him, being a citizen of the country means not pretending to be “traditional”.

The veteran designer, who will close the day three of the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018 on Friday, said Indians need to have a contemporary voice.

“We are proud to be Indian designers. And that, for me, means that we don’t have to pretend to be traditional or be stuck in the past. That we as Indians have a contemporary voice,” Tahiliani told PTI in an interview.

The designer’s couture collection - Taarakanna (Stardust) showcases spatial elements like the Milky Way, stars, constellations, etc.

Tahiliani said the clothing line is a much-needed departure from patterns and brocade for the modern Indian woman.

“We don’t want to torture people, we want the clothes to become lighter. That’s what the modern Indian woman wants.  They are confident and it has not just to do with what they wear.

“They have a taste for finesse and energy. And they don’t want to look like a Christmas tree anymore. We are consciously moving away from that.”

He said the team wanted to bring “the lightness of the stars” to be evident in the ready-to-wear collection.

The clothing line is fine-tuned with techniques and yet carries fresh colours, florals, motifs, sparkly sequins and Mukaish crystals and little beads.

Tahiliani, however, added, “The collection is mainly about sensuality. Yes, it is about technique too, but that is secondary to the sensuality a woman feels. A perfect fit and comfort are non-negotiable factors.”

Talking about his showstopper for the evening, actor Kriti Sanon, the designer said he knew she was the best choice after he saw her performance in “Bareilly Ki Barfi”.

“For me, Kriti was beautiful in the movie. She embodied the modern Indian woman who is fun spirited and not afraid to redefine herself,” he said. The LFW runs through February 4.