Tarun Tahiliani's Specially Curated Fashion Show 2015

Tarun Tahiliani showcases a specially curated collection for men and women in Hyderabad at Taj Krishna Hotel in collaboration with Taj Krishna and Azva by World Gold Council.

Master draper and ace couturier, Tarun Tahiliani showcases a specially curated collection for men and women with highlights from the Bridal Couture and the Spring Summer’15 Collection at Taj Krishna, Hyderabad in association with Taj Krishna and Azva.

Tarun Tahiliani is best known for his classic drapes. His characteristic style anddistinctive signature is visible in his creations which are a unique blend of traditional Indian sensibility, yet relevant to a contemporary environment. Tahiliani, who has a degree in Business Management from the Wharton School of Business, opened India’s first multi designer boutique, Ensemble in 1987. In 1991 he received an associate degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York. He is the first Indian designer to be invited to showcase at the Milan Fashion Week.

On speaking about showcasing his collection in Hyderabad, Tarun Tahiliani said: “I am happy to showcase my collection in Hyderabad again. We love the city and draw inspiration from the culture the people display.As the wheel of fortune turns and the powers of the world get reshuffled, ‘taste’ is not the monopoly of royalty anymore. The collection this time is a melange of modern fabrics, drapes and colours that reflects the modern day aesthete who is a perfection-seeking curator with impeccable taste. We have received a lot of love from here in the past and hope that continues.”

Art often gets way laid between creating and curating. A last minute walk into a museum leads to a fortuitous event. Staring at a painting and instantly there is a spark. A bond is formed over common interests and a relationship develops. Works by The Singh Twins,acclaimed artists from the UK, play muse to this collection. In the unique genre of Past Modern, as opposed to Post Modern, The Singh Twins are two artists, twin sisters working as one, in tandem. Reviving the technique of miniature painting and juxtaposing it with modern iconography, they create vibrant and detailed work that questions the conventional notion of the arts.

The miniature style of painting translates beautifully to digitally printed clothing in the ready-to-wear range. The illustrative style of the padhsahnama makes them look like they belong in the gilded age of the past but you will find the modern, social commentary if you look for it. Selectively chosen elements from different paintings ensure that the wit is not lost in translation. The colour inspirations are so unexpected that it could only exist in nature. The blue orange hue of a macaw, the reds and yellows of the rising sun - the palette pays homage to the Indian identity that celebrates colour with gusto, in a bohemian or a sophisticated setting. Not restricted to a pre¬designed ensemble, the separates enable experimentation. The dhoti skirts and the lungi skirts are one-of-a-kind pieces in light fabric that fit effortlessly for the day. Jewel Tees can be transformative for the evening with jewel tones combining hand painted gold kalis giving it the grandeur and aplomb of a Klimt painting.

The bridal and couture line reflects the global Indian today, who is making choices which help him embrace his cultural inheritance as well as straddle the diaspora of identities that is modern living. A melange of Indian craftsmanship perfected over generations with the fit, finish and functionality of western clothing. With the use of modern fabric like sheer silks, reshams and tulle; the ensemble becomes lighter, giving ease of movement. Evolved draping techniques are designed to work with the dynamics of the body and let the fabric echo the shapes of the body as it moves. Drape and Structure - the definitive of a Tarun Tahiliani creation perfected over the years is permeating to its Couture sensibilities. Using stitched-in pleats and belted saris gives a contemporary element to traditional style and is added comfort, keeping everything in place. The colour scheme stretches to include blushes of light pink, jade and mauve reminiscent of American realist painter Edward Hopper. Light resham on ivory in soft shades create a pastoral fantasy as the light bounces off the sheer tulle. Muted tones and breezy layers of the anarkali kurta are as light as a summer’s day.

From draped drama the collection moves into the realm of intricate zari, and resham embroideries, chanderi cutwork and Lucknawi chikankari with its range of occasion wear. Shades of twinkling champagne, playful pinks, rich gold and passionate reds encompasses silhouettes that range from regal and festive to feminine and youthful. Lehengas, lehenga saris, saris, anarkalis and kurtas sheathed in splendour, create an aura around the adorned as if she “walks in beauty”. The regal jamawar bodice gets counter balanced by a stoic obi belt. Plentiful kalis of the anarkali frolic next to an airy mukaish dupatta. Lightness and comfort work in tandem with style and heritage to create abalance and traditional wear steps out of its cave and evolves into a fun, unencumbered experience.

Men have always had it easier in the battle of aesthetics vis-a-vis comfort, but they are doomed to be relegated to the black, blue, grey category. Rescuing them from this colourless fate, the collection uses a plentiful of gold, unconventional pistachio, deep oranges and an even wilder punk palette for luxurious linings, Mughal motifs depicted detailed procession in digital print being one of the more indulgent ones. Kanjeevaram for men - rarity occurs in a vision of gold where three layers of kurta, dhoti and bundi are held together with a zardozi hand embroidered belt and a pleated stole. There is a lower carat version for those that can’t handle their bling. A light gold kurta with embroidered jaal is sufficiently subtle and yet dressy enough in its ornate embroidery. Sherwanis, Bandhgalas, Bundis and Jodhpur with incredible fit and finish leave you asking for more.

This year the bespoke range for men finds a special collaboration between Tarun Tahiliani and Whitcomb & Shaftesbury that will ensure that now traditional Indian wear shall have the fine tailoring of a custom made suit. Lending legendary bespoke services is Whitcomb & Shaftesbury; the Savile Row based company with a cumulative 400 years of experience in British tailoring, between its master-cutters and tailors. Adding this expertise to Indian design, the sherwanis, bundis and bandhgalas shall now fit like a glove.

Commenting on the association with Azva and Taj Krishna, Tarun Tahiliani said, “As we return to the Deccan, the land of gold, who better to show our collections with - than the Taj Krishna, Shalini Bhupal and Azva. As we show a specially curated collection from the Singh Twins, Fall Festive and the magic of drapes in rustling Kanjeevarams, Tarun Tahiliani for Azva highlights each ensemble beautifully. I am happy to associate with Azva by World Gold Council for this collection of hand crafted bridal gold jewellery.”

Commenting on Azva’s association with Tarun Tahiliani, Mr. Vipin Sharma, Director, Jewellery, World Gold Council said, “We are excited to unveil the latest collection of gold bridal jewellery from Azva in association with Tarun Tahiliani in Hyderabad today. Hyderabad is an important market for us and we applaud the contemporary and fashion forward taste of the consumers here who have a keen eye for intricate designs in gold jewellery. Our collaboration with Tarun has been a delightful journey and we are pleased to showcase the ‘Tarun Tahiliani for Azva’ collection complementing Tarun’s ethereal designs. We would like to invite the consumers in Hyderabad to experience Azva jewellery that is based on the concept of the seven vows, jewellery that has a life beyond the locker, jewellery that will make you feel special and glamorous whenever you wear it.”

About Taj Krishna
Taj Krishna is one of the most distinguished addresses in the city. Along with its repertoire of renovated features, the hotel offers a perfect blend of contemporary comfort and stylish sophistication& has unarguably become Hyderabad’s most-preferred address offering the finest accommodation for discerning Heads of State, Corporate czars, Celebrities and Royalty .A seamless blend of royal Indian charm and new-age luxuries, Taj Krishna promises the finest and most-unique experiences & has established itself as a landmark hotel on the cityscape. Adroitly blending the comfort and convenience with differentiated experiences the Hotel continues to be the bedrock of fine living and hospitality in Hyderabad and truly reflects the spirit of the city.

About Azva
The World Gold Council has launched Azva bridal jewellery in October 2012 in India. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘ashvaa’, Azva has been put together by India’s finest craftsmen, some of whom have been in the business for over 100 years. The collection ranges from 70 grams to over 300 grams per set.-The collection is also available across 45 cities including Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Baroda, Vapi, Bhavnagar, Valsad, Kochi, Indore, Kanpur, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Pune. More details are available on www.azvavows.com.