FA SHION In conversation with Tarun Tahiliani in which the master couturier talks about his design philosophy, love for Delhi and its heritage, what luxury means to him, his romance with nostalgia and admiration for yesteryear actress Meena Kumari.
The Man All Women Love TARUN TAHILIANI
TEXT BY SURUCHI DUGGAL / PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAVID MATTHIESSEN
NOV — DEC 2012 E
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Ever since Ensemble – Tarun Tahiliani’s first boutique store opened in 1987, the quintessential Indian designer has become the last word on exquisite bridal wear so traditional, so regal, and yet, so cutting-edge, that he’s attained a peerless stature in the order of designers amongst whom he ranks. Irrespective of whether it’s wedding season or not, Tahiliani’s gorgeous studio in Gurgaon is always a hub of activity, with the crème-de-la-crème of the city trying to get a foot into the door for a fitting session.
What has been the one, biggest highlight
moment of your career?
I think there were at least a couple. The first was when we started on Ensemble which wasn’t as much about me, as it was about promoting Indian design. At the time there was such a lacuna when it came to showcasing Indian design and the store received such a great response. It’s not like it made money to start with, but it just kind of grabbed people’s attention...it became quite a sensation. Then there was my first solo show in London which was just amazing. We had the
city’s high society sitting there and that’s the night I actually met Philip Treacy, India Jayne and other people from that sphere. I think that was very exciting, and very nerve-wracking. And then I think doing my first ready-to - wear show in Milan. I was the first Indian designer to do that.
And now, the next thing I am working on – we have opened stores, built a studio, and we’re trying to get this bridal couture studio done which will really redefine the whole experience in India and bring it to the equivalent of any luxury company or couture studio anywhere in the world.