THE NEXT CHAPTER

For Tarun Tahiliani and his burgeoning fashion empire, remaining true to his house codes and elevating his India Modern aesthetic is the crux of his design chronicle

- MEHERNAAZ DHONDY

"You know there's this lovely saying that God punishes you by answering your prayers..." If a TT-verse explosion is what Tarun Tahiliani asked for (a whirlwind few months of couture and luxe pret collection showcases for the Tarun Tahiliani line and Tasva label, followed by store openings, product collaborations, and global trunk shows), then it's definitely underway. "Be careful what you wish for," he jokingly adds, when we sit down to chat, post the recently concluded fashion week. He admits to feeling stretched, but there's a complete sense of control over his burgeoning fashion empire - because he's quick to inform you, in trademark TT style, that he's already got his couture panels for next year ready. "I'm going to sit this weekend and make my mood boards. And once that's done, I have senior designers who work with me - they can take a sketch and a swatch and run with it. That's the advantage of a great team that's grown with you."

That's also how you successfully diversify and build an empire. The TT footprint is increasing, but Tahiliani continues to be as intricately involved with operations as the chikankari embroidery in his couture panels. One of the first things TT talks about is bifurcating between his key business verticals: Bridal, fashion, and menswear. "Couture is out of control, it's on fire at a level we cannot imagine," he says, "Because in India's age of new economic growth and in the post-pandemic era, the wedding has become an even bigger statement for people. It may have become smaller, but the quality of everything got better. India is in a different place, society is in a different place, and our confidence and celebration is like none other."