The India Story to witness Tarun Tahiliani’s ‘India Modern’ story on the ramp

The India Story this year will witness an extension of designer Tarun Tahiliani’s ‘India Modern’ story unfold on the ramp, set at Swabhumi Raajkutir. The label’s signature ‘India Modern’ styles are all about the amalgamation of the old and the new and West meets East, and is intrinsic to the collections created by the celebrated Indian designer. The show at TIS will bring together both pret and couture lines to let the ‘India Modern’ story unfold through various sequences.

His annual couture or bespoke collection, ‘The Painterly Dream’, will pay tribute to our country’s legacy of craft heritage. Global in appeal yet rooted in heritage craft, the collection exudes a timeless appeal and fits into The India Story’s theme of ‘Dimensions’ through its design detailing that emphasises on ease in motion. The designer’s artistic vision will feature in the collection through the pastel hues, earthy tones and age-old patterns on modern silhouettes. Silhouettes in this sequence will include lehngas, long jackets over lehngas, saris, shararas and menswear with some drape drama. Chikankari, pichwai, kashida and zardozi are the highlights of this collection in terms of design detailing.

“This collection is about technically, movement-wise and flow-wise making it experiential rather than just dazzling discomfort. We are also of the firm belief that a thing of beauty is a joy forever, and creating exquisite clothes that feel like skin are part of sustainable fashion because then one will wear them again and again, value them, and pass them on,” said Tarun.

The pret sequence will bring together chic aesthetics and ultra modern styles clubbed with a touch of the couturier’s signature glam. It will showcase an amalgamation of modern and traditional silhouettes weaving a story around drapes with technology and aerodynamic forms. Modern cuts and fluidity of the silhouettes are highlights of this collection that is traditional and has a global appeal, too. Design highlights will include metallic shine, unusual textures, modern cuts, hand-painting, embroidery, distorted prints on luxe fabrics, textile exploration with zari thread and resham to create metallic effects. “This is a streamlined, sleek, aerodynamic India Modern collection for the Global Indian,” added the designer.

Tarun Tahiliani

The show that will be a visual storytelling will explore the theme of ‘Dimensions’ through multiple layers in the visual medium. Audio-visual display, music composed by Ma Faiza, khartaal, dance and fashion will blend in a synchronised manner to create the overall visual experience for the audience.

“The India Story means so much to all of us in different avatars while here today we express how the different ‘Dimensions’ work in an amazing synchronicity, a juxtaposition of worlds in an exquisite interplay. Madhu Neotia has always been passionate about the India Story, portraying India in the light of her dazzling culture, creative energies and showcasing her many moods and forms so that the next generation looks at it anew, excited by the possibilities of today, while embracing the past and evolving the future — music, performances, old world, new world sit in synchronized beauty. I am looking forward to showcasing the best of our current ready-to-wear collections and bridal couture at The India Story this year. Join us to celebrate ‘Dimensions’ and the best of fashion,” said Tarun.

Indrani Dasgupta Paul and Vahbiz Kersy Mehta will add their creative touch to the show with their production design and choreography.

“India Modern is an inspiration for the clothes that will come up on the ramp. There are two parts to the show, first part is mostly of pret garments, then moving into heavier pieces of couture and as the show progresses it will move into a more effective look. Over the years, Tarun has been a great friend and I have known him from the time that I had started out as a model. It was the second designer show of my career and now it is a full 360 degree with him as I am producing the show for him. It has been an exciting journey and Tarun has great vision, he understands how to put a show together through a narrative. It will be an immersive experience, like one experiences his shows. There will be storytelling and a couple of more elements in the show, like musical instruments. There is an element of dimension that we will showcase on the ramp in terms of design as well as materials. The set has dimensions, the clothes have many dimensions, people have dimensions to them in terms of their personality, it is all linked. There are various aspects that bring these dimensions together. So, I think dimension is intrinsic to this show and perhaps to any show,” said Indrani.