Reacting to criticism of the Indian contingent’s attire at the Paris Olympics, fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani has said he stands by the design and slammed “critics” who alleged he charged a fee to design the athletes’ attire.
Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Mr Tahiliani said his team followed the International Olympic Committee’s guidelines while designing the kit. “Many things changed at the last minute. I stand by my design. This is what we Indians wear and this is not a couture show. I accept that people may have their own opinions. I have no problem with that, but I stand by what we did,” he said.
He said, “We wanted the team to be in the colours of the tricolour as most countries use their own flags and it is visible from a distance.”
Many people on social media have criticized the designer for the outfits of the Indian players and called them dull. In response to such criticism, the designer said, “It would have been very easy for me to send them in zardozi vests. But this is not fair.”
Some social media users have said that these garments have digital prints and India, with its rich heritage of handloom and embroidery, should have been presented on the world stage through better garments.
The designer said his team had only three weeks to prepare the costumes. He said, “I cannot weave a handloom for 300 uniforms in that time. The shoes were brocade, brocade from Banaras.”
He also responded to allegations that the logo of Aditya Birla Group brand Tasva, of which Mr Tahiliani is chief design officer, was used on the dresses. “A symbol was changed to a border, that’s all. When you see a photo, you won’t even notice it. We had put the Indian flag there earlier, but we were told it shouldn’t be used. We followed the guidelines,” he said.
The designer vehemently denied the claim that Tasva took money to design the outfit. “These armchair critics are being shameless. This was paid for by Tasva. This was not done for any fee, it was done to support our athletes. Asking what I was paid for shows their mindset,” he said.
Tasva had earlier said in a statement that it was an honour to collaborate with Tarun Tahiliani to design the outfits for the Indian contingent. “This prestigious collaboration for Tasva as the ‘Official Ceremonial Dress Partner’ for Team India at the Paris Olympics is an important milestone in Tasva’s journey as it represents the spirit, culture and elegance of India on a global platform,” it added.
It said the ceremonial attire of the Indian athletes for the opening ceremony is heavily inspired by the Indian flag. “The tricolour palette symbolises national pride and unity. The contemporary silhouettes of the bundi jacket and pre-pleated sari when combined with the thoughtful selection of fabrics—cotton and viscose crepe—as well as practical detailing, not only ensure comfort and functionality for the athletes but also reflect a fine balance of tradition with modernity.”
