'I'm no messiah of fashion'

Expanding Horizons

When it comes to wedding couture, Tarun Tahiliani tops the list as a dream designer for most brides. Though for the common man, Tarun may be synonymous with bridal wear, just a few minutes with the designer and one will know that there is more to him. Not one to blow his own trumpet, it takes time for Tarun to speak about his work at length. He has always believed in letting his work speak for himself. And it certainly does. 

His clientele from across borders and his plans to expand his business to the entire lifestyle segment has kept the designer on his toes. Even though Tarun was in the City for a show of his, he still managed to find time to launch his own gold jewellery line.

With so much on his plate, the designer says that he can never get tired of fashion. “There is so much one can do out here in the industry. Fashion makes me dream. It has become much more than just an accessory. I feel that now, fashion is more of a lifestyle. Which is why, even I have ventured into designing for the entire lifestyle section and not just for a part of it,” he adds.

Having dressed many celebrities, the most shocking personality he has ever dressed was Lady Gaga. The singer had worn a Tarun Tahiliani sari when she performed in India.

 “I had a heart attack when I saw Gaga on stage,” says Tarun, while adding, “She had ripped the sari apart and created something entirely different. But I calmed down and realised this was ‘Lady Gaga’ we were talking about. But it was really sweet of her to acknowledge me during the concert. I found that very humble of her.”

But mention the word ‘bridal’, and one can watch Tarun’s eyes roll. “Why do people think I am only about bridal wear? I design other stuff too. Yes, we are popular for bridal designs but I feel it’s time people know that there is more to me,” he says. Which is why Tarun says, that as a brand too, ‘Tarun Tahiliani’ has changed a lot. “We have started listening to our customers more now. There used to be a time when we did have our noses up in the air but all that has changed now. We want to connect with them and give them what they want,” he says. Ask him how he has seen the fashion industry change, and pat comes the reply, “I do believe that while the Indian fashion industry has grown, it has not evolved. But then again, I’m no messiah of fashion to comment on the industry as a whole.”