Tarun Tahiliani Bridal Couture Expo sees 'Modern Mughals'

Couture for Men

Men have always had it easier in the battle of aesthetics vis-à-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.

Tarun Tahiliani, partners with World Gold Council - Tarun Tahiliani for Azva, Forevermark, Swarovski and Diageo - Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18, #

 

The stand out is the ostentatious cummerbund – a bejewelled fastener with a cowl at the back and a half skirt that extends to add grace when you walk. It lends drama and flair to the traditional understated sherwani. Royal blue bundi with detailed gold thread work consistent with the Mughal trope is paired with grey kurta and jodhpurs in light fabric. The jodhpurs, rather than holding up the conventional form comfortably fall into place.

 

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.

 

Ready-to-Wear for Bridal and Special Occasions

The regal jamawar bodice gets counter balanced by a stoic obi belt. Plentiful kalis of the anarkali frolic next to an airy mukaish dupatta. Sartorial dialectics work in tandem as lightness and gravitas, style and heritage are balanced and traditional wear steps out of its cave and evolves into a fun, unencumbered experience. 

 

And yet, the brocades and zari, the excess and aplomb we associate with The Great Indian Wedding is still there. The raw silk gota lehengas with aari work in gold remember the gilded era of sophistication that was the Indian Royalty.  There is a range dedicated to bling, as if one has been moulded in fabric with liquid gold poured over; another series specifically for a colour burst in princess-gowns that billow like a fantasy, with embroidered bodices. For all the shades of a wedding, whether it is the flamboyant nature of celebration or the sobriety of parting, there is restraint, pizzazz and all that jazz.

 

“We are happy to be back at the Tarun Tahiliani Bridal Couture Exposition, unleashing a new collection for all the Indian extravagance about to be unfurled in the coming year – hand draped, tucked, embroidered, woven and fitted like a second skin, these clothes set new standards for this studio. This exposition would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and I would like to thank World Gold Council - Tarun Tahiliani for Azva, Forevermark, Swarovski and Diageo - Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 for ensuring that the experience embodies true luxury.” –Tarun Tahiliani