THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ICON

Tarun Tahiliani's path embodies innovation, evolution, and an unwavering commitment to modernise India's rich textile heritage.

- RASNA BHASIN

Every single time I step into Tarun Tahiliani’s atelier, I witness a sense of calm, pride, and joy amongst the people inhabiting this space. I guess because at its core, the atelier’s ethos revolves around the fundamental principle of treating every individual within its walls with unwavering respect and equality. As the couturier says, people should feel happy when they create these beautiful pieces; if the creator doesn’t do it with joy, then what’s the point?

As I make my way up to the second floor, the larger-than-life veteran greets me with a welcoming grin, playfully christening me a “fashion chameleon”. His innate understanding of the way Indian women seamlessly transition from casual morning wear to glamorous evening attire paints a vivid picture of the myriad choices we relish.

Sitting down with the designer himself, Tarun Tahiliani—affectionately known as TT—I ask him to describe himself in just three words. “Stoic, compulsive, constantly dreaming,” he replies with a twinkle in his eye. These words mirror his design process, which he characterises as visceral, integrative, and process-driven. This fusion of influences gives life to the exquisite creations he’s renowned for.

Amid scattered sketches and swatches, a reference catches his eye—a picture of his sister’s (Tina Tahiliani Parikh) house help draped in a sari. This image has inspired one of his skirt designs. The designer’s attention to the minutest details consistently ignites his creativity and fuels his imagination.