Tarun Tahiliani Calls Criticism Of Paris Olympics Outfits For Indians 'Ridiculous': Not A Wedding

Tarun Tahiliani faced massive wrath from social media users for his designs of the ceremonial outfits donned by the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony. The designer was called out by several netizens for using digital prints, and ill-fitted fabrics and for missing an opportunity to showcase Indian craftsmanship to the world. Among those who critiqued the designer was former Indian badminton player Jwala Gutta. Tarun Tahiliani has now responded to the accusations.

Tarun Tahiliani sticks to his guns in Olympic outfit row

In a recent media interview, Tarun Tahiliani justified his designs and style of choice for the Olympic outfit. He claimed that the outfits worn by the Indian athletes at the opening ceremony were highly appreciated in Paris. He also shared how incorporating the colours of the Indian flag was a design choice and he would do it again the same way if given a choice.

For their first appearance at the sporting event, women donned tricolour sarees which boasted a saffron and green printed border over a white base. They teamed the look with a matching saffron blouse. The men's kurta Bundi sets with jackets reflecting the Indian triclour. The outfit was inspired by traditional banarasi and ikat prints. The designer told The Indian Express that many contingents opt to wear the colours of their national flags to showcase their representation which is why they too went with the tricolour. He also added that the colours made the athletes stand out and be visible from afar. Given a choice, the designer said he would “do it again", except that he would add more colour to make the outfits brighter. 

Tarun Tahiliani justifies using prints and not hand-woven outfits for the Olympics

One of the major complaints of social media users was that it did not do justice to the rich heritage of the country known for its textiles. They pointed out that the garments and the blouse of the saree were created digitally and were not hand-woven which India is known for. Justifying the same, Tarun Tahiliani mentioned that all criticism was ‘ridiculous’ and Paris weather made it suitable for the athletes to only wear cotton and viscose crepe so that they could breathe easily. He also added that it would have been easier for him to make outfits made of brocade fabrics. He argued it was “not a wedding” but a sporting event which is why he kept the canvas natural.
 

He added that sarees were pre-draped to combine modernity with traditions. He also mentioned that they had only 3 weeks and a 300-member team to assemble the outfits in which it would not have been possible to make hand-weave. Tarun Tahiliani's designer label Tasva designed the outfits and the designer shared that the he did not charge anything for the project and that it was done to support our athletes.