EXPRESSION OF INSPIRED CRAFTMANSHIP
During Lakme Fashion Week 2023, Tarun Tahiliani’s collection was centred about “celebration of self expression,” and included 83 artistically designed and decorated premium attire.
The collection, themed “A Celebration of Self-Expression,” represented a watershed event in the fashion world, fusing new age forms with traditional handmade techniques. Tarun Tahiliani designed a new story for self-discovery from dark to morning in a variety of art forms such as Art Deco, Gara, Byzantine, and more for cocktail parties, galas, and red-carpet soirées. This latest offering from his studio emphasised glamour through metallic fabrics, texture through innovative sequins, and dimension through rich hues such as iridescent rose golds, faded metallics, peacock teals, royal indigo, matte greys, and blacks, all inspired by Kohler’s rich tapestry of vibrant colours and exquisite finishes.
Tarun Tahiliani’s collection was a combination of new age classics that provided the audience with both fashion and inspiration. The presence of magnificent Madhubani painting style flora and fauna themes, abstract geometric prints, art décor style items, and remarkable bold patterns provided the audience with a taste of how the modern world meets the old traditional world.
Commenting on his association, Tarun Tahiliani said “It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with design-based companies and in this case, we are collaborating with Kohler. I am inspired by their aerodynamic forms, their beautiful use of metallics, their shocking peacock Indian colours and teals that have been brought into the collection as a homage to the Indian palette and the artistry of Pushpa Kumari. Collaborations stimulate the mind and neurons in new ways, and we have taken all our brand pillars further, under the inspirational dust of what Kohler does with their designs”.
He picked rich colours for his current exhibition, including iridescent rose golds, fading metallics, peacock teals, royal blues, matte greys, and blacks. Each costume incorporated an Indo-western element, creating a new narrative for Indian celebratory attire. The exhibition combined the craftsmanship underlying the brand’s hallmark design aesthetics with Tarun Tahiliani’s silhouette brilliance. Guests were treated to an homage to creativity, a symphony that would elegantly blend two diverse worlds, respecting and amplifying the distinctive traits of each.
The collection had a variety of styles including Indo-western fusion pieces that were the perfect fit for the modern Indian woman. Lots of draped sarees, grand lehengas, co-ord sets, corset style blouses, jumpsuits, sharara sets, handwork laden dupattas, larger-than-life gowns, gillets and much more made the collection a bouquet of something fit for everyone this festive season.
This collaboration marks a new chapter in Tarun Tahiliani and Kohler’s shared commitment to design excellence while pushing the frontiers of design and innovation.
Tarun Tahiliani and Kohler came up with the idea for this cooperation. While Kohler’s rich tapestry of brilliant colours and gorgeous designs serves as inspiration for this collection, it does so in a way that elevates Tarun Tahiliani’s natural elegance. “Under the theme ‘A Celebration of Self-Expression,’ this collection combines new-age forms with traditional artisanal crafts.” It is created for cocktail glam and evening elegance, with each item embodying the spirit of self-expression and meant to add a touch of enchantment to your nights.”
Commenting on the association, Vishal Chaddha, Managing Director – India & South Asia, Kohler Co. said, “As we proudly celebrate 150 years of Kohler, and, as the world leader in design and innovation in the Kitchen and Bath space, we extend a warm welcome to all creators, artisans, and visionaries to join us in our journey of fostering the spirit of gracious living. Our debut at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI is an extension of our commitment towards art, design, and creativity. Through this collaboration with designer Tarun Tahiliani, we hope to inspire our consumers to transcend the realm of fashion and experience and our shared aspiration of craftsmanship, culture, art, and colours.”
The collection is also inspired by Kohler’s Artist Editions Aranya, Hindi meaning the forest, a creation by Pushpa Kumari on Madhubani art form highlighting the beauty and simplicity of the natural world. The collection will include stunning themes inspired by Madhubani style flowers, bold and abstract geometric prints of art deco styles, and visually captivating items that bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary.
Gara embroidery methods are inspired by nature, mythology, and Persian motifs. These designs will be painstakingly hand-painted and embroidered into luxury fabrics, while the sequin collection will inexorably blend refinement and attention to detail to create an ethereal and dazzling ode to the elusive beauty of the feminine form.
While Kohler’s rich tapestry of brilliant colours and gorgeous designs serves as inspiration for this collection, it does so in a way that elevates Tarun Tahiliani’s natural elegance.
