SPARKLE YOUR GAZE WITH TARUN TAHILIANI’S SWAROVSKI-FIED ‘BLOOM’ COLLECTION AT INDIA COUTURE WEEK 2019

An absolutely delightful, glittery night ensued at the magnificent Bikaner House, New Delhi as Tarun Tahiliani showcased his collection ‘Bloom’ in collaboration with Swarovski at the FDCI India Couture Week finale. ‘Bloom’ captures the metamorphosis of the Indian bride with a synthesis of different cultures and a reflection of today’s modern choices. “It represents the delicate confluence of artistic traditions and the pragmatism of the times we live in. And of course, flowers” says designer, Tarun Tahiliani.

Photo credits: Tarun Tahiliani

Bloom’s inspiration | Juxtaposing iconic European construction with classic Indian styles and embroideries, the new collection exemplifies an ‘India Modern’ aesthetic and in the structured lightness of every drape is the embodiment of a new voice of tradition – one that proudly carries a rich heritage into a modern way of life and makes the bride steal the show in a unique style. When it comes to couture, his collection contoured construction, patterns, and unique fabrics that merge to make the garment feel like a second skin – sensually moulded to shape every curve, and yet, allows the freedom and comfort to dance the night away.

Photo credits: Tarun Tahiliani

The collection | More than 70 pieces spanning bridal couture, occasion, and festive wear herald the coming together of technique, craftsmanship, and innovation: Lightweight lehengas, shararas, peplum blouses, concept saris, structured drapes, anarkalis, and fusion-style jumpsuits exuded pure celebration of ethnicity. Besides the typical couture, contemporary occasion wear for those intimate pre-weddings was also played with chikankaari, mukaish embroidery, and kanjeevaram, in light, new avatars for the stylish bride. One could experience the entire spectrum of an Indian wedding in Tarun Tahiliani’s couture creation – from atypical wedding attires in soft pastels of peach, dusty rose, blush pink, coral, teal, vintage gold, and aqua to the cocktail ensembles in a rich palette of electric blue, deep violet, and plum. 

Photo credits: Tarun Tahiliani

Photo credits: Tarun Tahiliani

Photo credits: Tarun Tahiliani

The collection is a celebration of diverse embroidery styles – from Kashmir-inspired ‘Kashida’, a fine zari work used around prints to ‘Jammevar’ and ‘Resham’ thread embroidery, which makes sure the bride is not weighed down by her outfit to the Floral motifs combined with French knots, tulle, jaali burried in the fabric, lace, and ombré beading; it was the intricacy of art that brought a glamorous exquisiteness and drama to each piece. 

Swarovski’s extravagance | The show was an impeccable artwork with outfits bathed in Swarovski crystals, not only there were crystal-encrusted embellishments and embroideries but lehngas drowned in 100,000 Swarovski crystals. “We’ve worked with Swarovski since the ’90s. This successful long-term association over the years has witnessed some of the most iconic, luxurious, and memorable creations made with crystals from Swarovski. We Indians love the winking light, the luminescence and sparkle of a diamond, especially for weddings. And so, it is an honour once again to collaborate with Swarovski to create magical garments using traditional Indian techniques.” says Tahiliani on his association with Swarovski.

Photo credits: Tarun Tahiliani

Commenting on the collection, Vivek Ramabhadran – Vice President, Asia South and Africa Region, Swarovski Professional, says, “With an ever-growing presence in India, Swarovski continues to strengthen its long-term creative collaborations with a focused approach towards fashion couture. We value our partnership with Tarun Tahiliani and over the years have worked closely with him to give vision to his creative design brilliance. One of the luminaries of Indian fashion, Tarun has always outdone his previous collections and created illustrious styles, making them even more distinctive with Swarovski crystals. He continues to push the envelope with the Swarovski encrusted ‘Bloom’ collection which is the perfect blend of design, creativity, and passion in Tarun’s signature style! The grand finale of India Couture Week'19 couldn't have been more spectacular.” 

Photo credits: Tarun Tahiliani

The unique showstopper | Besides this decadent collection, the ace designer stopped the show like a real showstopper when a model walked the ramp donning an off-white ruffled net dress with her face covered in a tulle scarf, depicting that it is not the ‘face’ that makes for a showstopper, rather it's the ‘creation’. In his words, “I don’t need any other lovely face to be my showstopper. My models are my showstopper. They are who make my outfits shine on the ramp.”

Photo credits: Tarun Tahiliani 

Fluffs of whimsical Resham-crystal-baadla, sparkling Swarovski crystals, and a myriad of unparallel artistry adorned the ‘bloom’ collection and honestly, there wasn’t a single thing on Tarun Tahiliani’s India couture runway that could disappoint even a tad bit.