Tarun Tahiliani defends Paris Olympics uniforms amid backlash: 'didn't aim for haute couture'

Tarun Tahiliani has responded to the backlash against the Indian contingent's clothes for Paris Olympics.

Fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani has firmly defended the design of the Indian contingent's uniforms for the 2024 Paris Olympics, following widespread criticism. Despite social media backlash labelling the outfits as an "eyesore" and "mediocre," Tahiliani said it’s time to shift focus towards the athletes' performance.

"I stand by these uniforms," Tahiliani said in a statement to NDTV, addressing the controversy. "It was not my decision to put the ladies in sarees at the last minute, but I wanted cohesion between the flag and uniforms, and I stand by them."

He further revealed that many prominent figures have expressed admiration for the uniforms, requesting similar designs for themselves. "A difference of opinion is totally fine," he added.

Male athletes wore a white kurta and Bundi jacket adorned with orange and green naksi work, celebrating the Indian tricolour. The jackets featured pockets with 'India' inscriptions and the Olympic logo.

Female athletes donned ikat-inspired sarees in the tricolours of white, orange, and green, paired with sneakers for a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern functionality.

While some praised the patriotic design, others criticised it for lacking aesthetic appeal.

Hello Tarun Tahiliani!
I have seen better Sarees sold in Mumbai streets for Rs.200 than these ceremonial uniforms you’ve ‘designed’.
Cheap polyester like fabric, Ikat PRINT (!!!), tricolors thrown together with no imagination
Did you outsource it to an intern or come up with it… https://t.co/aVkXGmg80K

— Dr Nandita Iyer (@saffrontrail) July 27, 2024

"We did not aim for haute couture; our focus was on creating functional and comfortable uniforms for our athletes. We are proud and gratified by the positive feedback we've received, especially from the athletes themselves."

"We at Tasva feel that the best way to represent the country is the tricolor. And we feel that when the athletes wore the tricolor designs and sailed past the Seine River, it was powerful imagery and a very proud moment for all us Indians."

In an interview with GQ India, Tahiliani explained his design approach. "My research revealed a trend where countries were integrating their national flags into their Olympic uniforms. Inspired by this, I crafted a design that prominently features the tricolour hues of saffron, white, and green, reflecting India's national colours," he said. He further noted that after feedback from the Olympic committee, he opted for sarees for women athletes, as they "can flatter any body type."