On the seventh day of India Couture Week 2024, held at The Ashok in Delhi, Indian fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani’s ‘Otherworldly’ collection captivated audiences with its blend of regal elegance and modern comfort. Celebrated for its homage to India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship, Tahiliani’s showcase was a standout highlight of the event.
Tahiliani described his collection as a journey into a realm where comfort and ethereal beauty coexist seamlessly. “Imagine being enveloped in a cocoon—feeling safe, cared for, and in complete harmony with your body, transcending into a new phase of self-confidence and awareness. That is the world I aspire to create through our couture. ‘Otherworldly’ is about blending technology and tradition to achieve a sense of comfort that feels like a second skin,” he explained.
The collection featured a variety of elegant yet comfortable silhouettes, including flowing lehengas, intricately draped sarees, and structured bodices. Traditional crafts like Kashidakar, Mukaish, and Chikankari were given a contemporary twist with the use of Swarovski crystals, aari embroidery, and zardozi. Unique design elements, such as monochromatic Pichwai patterns and floral motifs, highlighted the collection’s innovative approach while maintaining a timeless style.
Menswear pieces, including embroidered sherwanis, modern bandhgalas, and crisp kurtas, showcased sharp tailoring and a sophisticated color palette dominated by black. The integration of traditional motifs with sheer fabrics and marble jaalis emphasized the collection’s balance between heritage and modernity.
The ethereal ensembles were complemented by jewelry from Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang and Shree Jee Jaipur, footwear by Aquazzura, and makeup by MAC, with hairstyling by Aveda. The soundtrack, curated by Jayant Arora, featured a mix of soulful Indian voices and global influences, including tracks from ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ and Amy Winehouse, reflecting a multifaceted modern Indian identity.
In a historic first, Tahiliani’s show was presented twice on the same day to accommodate overwhelming audience demand. India Couture Week 2024, which began on July 24, will conclude with Falguni Shane Peacock’s grand finale presentation on July 31, wrapping up a week of exceptional fashion showcases.
