'New age brides are wearing what suits them'

Designer Tarun Tahiliani recently showcased his bridal couture collection at the India Couture Week 2016, amidst a crafted courtesan ambience. Titled, “The Last Dance of the Courtesan”, the collection was presented as a tribute, and acknowledgement to the highest bastions of culture, poetry, dance and finesse.

According to Tahiliani, “Bridal couture represents the highest realms of craft and fitness.” Sufi Kathak exponent Manjari Chaturvedi dazzling the ramp with her performance. While he generally has a Bollywood celebrity as his showstopper, the designer wrapped up the show this time without a showstopper. Read on as he elaborates on how he managed to keep up the charm of courtesans during the show.

Tell us more about your show at ICW 2016.

The bridal and couture collection that was shown at India Couture Week was a tribute to the lost world of courtesans. The music for the show included the likes of Begum Akhtar’s signature ghazal, Deewana banana hai toh. This was coupled with Manjari Chaturvedi, who tirelessly worked for preservation of this tradition and restoration of some dignity through Sufi Kathak.

What is the USP of this collection?

Because of the changing lifestyles and the need for women to be free to move around at weddings and ceremonial functions, people want dress up in lightweight outfits. For this, I have refined the techniques and created highly sophisticated clothes with a lightweight modern construction. This helps them dance in the mind and body, and not feel as if dragging around a burden.  

What colours and detailing have you used?

My favourite colours are ombre, sunset ombre, yellow, blues, orange, red and pink. Sushi voile, georgettes, cotton jacquards, cotton silks, crepes and cutwork jamdanis have been used to create light and breezy styles in the draped forms. Bridal trends are moving away from blingy and multicoloured ensembles to a more sophisticated palette. As Indians are exposed to international fashion, they are looking more at comfort, lightness and structure rather than heavily embellished outfits that restrict movement and inhibits the fun that one would like to have at a wedding.

What will be the trends this season?

There is a shift to lighter outfits. Indians now understand western principles of cut and construct, fit and finish. When it comes to the colour, there is no ‘it’ colour. The new age brides are wearing what suits them and they are confident carrying it off. They are moving to creams, beiges and golds with red and of course pearlised tones. Lastly, lightweight jewellery is in vogue. The styling is not overbearing, but reflects the woman’s personal style.