Tarun Tahiliani defends Paris Olympics costumes amid criticism

Fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani defended his design for the Indian contingent's costumes at the Paris Olympics 2024, criticizing "armchair critics" who alleged he charged a fee for his work. 

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Tahiliani explained that his team followed the International Olympic Committee's guidelines while creating the outfits. "Many things changed at the last minute. I stand by our design. This is what we Indians wear, and this is not meant to be a couture show. I accept that people can have their views, and I'm fine with that, but I stand by what we did," he stated.

He further elaborated, "We aimed to dress the team in the tricolour, as most countries reflect their flag's colors, making them visible from afar. It would have been easy to send them in zardozi vests, but that would not have been appropriate."

Social media users have criticized the designer, calling the athletes' outfits dull and suggesting that India’s rich tradition of handloom and embroidery should have been showcased instead. They pointed out that the costumes featured digital prints.

Tahiliani clarified that his team had only three weeks to prepare the costumes. "I can't weave handloom for 300 uniforms in that time. The shoes were made of brocade, brocade from Benares," he noted.

Addressing claims that the logo of Tasva, an Aditya Birla Group brand where Tahiliani is chief design officer, was incorporated into the costumes, he explained, "A symbol was made into a border, that's all. In photographs, you won’t even notice it. We initially placed the Indian flag there but were advised against it. We followed the guidelines."

Tahiliani firmly denied allegations that Tasva charged for designing the costumes. "The audacity of these armchair critics. This was funded by Tasva. It wasn’t done for a fee, but to support our athletes. Questioning what I was paid for it just reflects their mindset," he said.

Previously, Tasva stated that it was honored to design the outfits for the Indian contingent in collaboration with Tarun Tahiliani.