Celebrated for his India Modern aesthetic and impeccable craftsmanship, maverick designer Tarun Tahiliani continues to push the boundaries of contemporary Indian fashion. As he presented his latest collection, Dreamscape, at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, Tahiliani reimagined traditional silhouettes with a modern, global sensibility.
So, we interviewed the designer as he shared the inspiration behind Dreamscape, his thoughts on sustainability in fashion, his ever-evolving approach to style, and much more.
What inspired your collection 'Dreamscape' for Blenders Pride Fashion Tour?
For this collection, we focused on a glamorous Spring-Summer aesthetic. While not a bridal collection, the vision was to blend my signature India Modern style—reinterpreting Indian silhouettes with contemporary fabrics, fits, and a lifestyle-driven approach. These evening wear pieces are designed for movement, travel, and celebration.
Blenders Pride Fashion Tour aimed to showcase India on an international stage with outfits fit for Cannes or high-fashion red carpets. This collection is not about traditional Swadeshi elements but rather a refined fusion of heritage and innovation.
What are your thoughts on sustainability in fashion, given that the industry is a major polluter?
Fashion significantly impacts the environment—about 92 million pieces of clothing end up in landfills every year, and fast fashion relies heavily on non-biodegradable synthetic materials. True sustainability comes from timeless, high-quality pieces that can be worn for years.
Luxury is about what you feel on your skin. When you buy better, you value things more and use them longer. Unfortunately, the pressure of social media and fast fashion has created a culture where people feel they can’t repeat outfits. However, sustainability starts with individual choices—if everyone focused on buying fewer but better-quality pieces, it would make a huge difference.
How would you describe your personal style?
Comfort is my top priority. I look at clothes all day, so I keep my wardrobe minimal—monochromatic, streamlined, and free from patterns or logos. Even when I wear Indian attire, I choose pieces that are functional and easy to move in.
Fashion serves different purposes—some dress for status, some for power, others for self-expression. For me, it's about practicality and feeling good in what I wear.
How has your fashion sense evolved over time?
When I was younger, I followed trends and cared about external opinions. But with time, I’ve shifted towards functionality and quality.
Now, working in a design studio almost seven days a week, my wardrobe is filled with timeless, well-made pieces. I no longer dress to impress others—I dress for my own comfort and joy.
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You’ve been vocal about not favouring celebrity showstoppers.Â
Celebrities can shift the focus away from a fashion show—the media often prioritises their personal lives over the collection itself.
However, when showstoppers are treated like models rather than star attractions, it works. People recognise them, they bring confidence to the runway, and their presence can enhance a show—provided they fit the collection. For example, Manushi Chhillar walked for us because she knows how to carry herself, not just because she’s a film star.
What are your thoughts on airport looks?
I don’t have strong opinions—people should travel however they feel comfortable. What I do find odd is when celebrities borrow outfits just to be 'airport ready'. Some of the coolest people, including major superstars, prioritise comfort over trends.
Travel fashion has changed a lot. In the past, flying was an elite experience, and people dressed up for it. Today, it’s more casual, like taking a bus. Everyone has their own approach, and that’s completely fine.
How important is a stylist for a celebrity? Do you think relying on a stylist means they lack personal style?
A costume designer helps an actor transform into a character—like how Meryl Streep uses accents, prosthetics, and clothing to embody her roles.
For personal style, I understand why celebrities use stylists—sourcing outfits is time-consuming. But when a stylist takes over completely, the celebrity’s identity gets lost. Icons like Rekha or Simi Garewal never needed stylists because their personal style was so distinct.
Younger stars today face immense pressure to constantly switch up their looks. Some of them had great personal style before fame, but now their fashion is so curated that it’s hard to tell what truly represents them. That said, some stylists do a great job enhancing a celebrity’s style without overpowering it—like how Lady Gaga’s bold looks still feel authentic.
Which celebrity would you love to dress in the future?
Lady Gaga—always. She’s so cool.
Any fashion tips or tricks?
Fashion should free you, not trap you in a cycle of trends. Over time, logos have become a shortcut for people trying to showcase status rather than personal style.
True fashion is about confidence, individuality, and personality—not just wearing labels. If you focus on developing your own identity, your style will naturally follow. At the end of the day, a strong personality is the best fashion statement.
Would you ever design costumes for films or TV?
I considered it once for a film that became very successful, but costume designing is a completely different discipline.
In the West, fashion designers and costume designers have distinct roles. Fashion designers work with trends, lifestyles, and different demographics, while costume designers must interpret scripts and create looks that serve the film’s narrative.
Also Read |Â Tiger Shroff and Manushi Chhillar dazzle on the ramp for Tarun Tahiliani show
Of course, there are exceptions—Jean Paul Gaultier’s work in The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover was revolutionary. But for the most part, costume designing requires compromises that don’t align with my approach to luxury fashion.
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