The seventh day of FDCI India Couture Week 2024 was a stark contrast of fashion and chaos. While Tarun Tahiliani’s highly anticipated ‘Otherworldly’ collection was a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, the show itself was marred by organisational hiccups. Limited seating capacity led to a disgruntled crowd outside the venue, prompting the designer to take the unprecedented step of repeating his show, becoming the first one to do so.
According to reports on social media, many renowned personalities from the fashion and entertainment industry, amounting to a rough total of 300 people, were left outside the show venue at The Ashok, Delhi, and were barred from attending. This was because there weren’t as many seats as there were people.
In a video being circulated online, Tahiliani can be seen apologising personally to the crowd gathered, saying, “I apologise for what I hear a lot of you went through. These things are never planned, we never know, we try to be very careful. But anyway, the good news is everyone has a front row and we are repeating the show.”
According to model Ujjwal Dhir, who walked the show, the models were paid an extra 50% more than their original payments for walking the show a second time.
The last few weeks have been marred with controversy for the designer; first as criticisms against him started mounting for India’s Olympic outfits, and now this. But that has not taken away from the beauty of his recent collection.
Tahiliani’s ‘Otherworldly’ collection was a testament to his design prowess, blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Inspired by the concept of a cocoon, the collection aimed to evoke a sense of comfort, safety, and self-confidence.
“Imagine being enveloped in a cocoon—feeling safe, cared for, and in complete harmony with your body and transcending into a new phase of self-confidence and awareness. To me, that is the world I aspire to create through our couture. “Otherworldly” is a journey into a realm where comfort and ethereal beauty coexist seamlessly,” Tahiliani said in apress release.
Intricate embroideries such as Kashidakar, Mukaish, and Chikankari were reimagined with modern techniques, resulting in garments that were both opulent and wearable. The use of monochromatic Pichwai, carpets, and blooms as design motifs added a unique and innovative touch to the collection.
Despite the initial challenges, Tahiliani’s collection left an enduring impression on the fashion world.
While the focus of the day was undeniably on his collection, the organisational issues at the venue raised concerns about the management of such high-profile fashion events. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, ensuring a seamless experience for both designers and attendees is paramount.
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