Tarun Tahiliani Autumn Winter Collection 2013 -14 at Trident, Hyderabad

~Tarun Tahiliani in association with Trident, Hyderabad Presents His AW’13-14, Ready To Wear and Couture AW’13-14 Collection~

Hyderabad, September 12, 2013: An effortlessness that lets the fabric be, a Kumbh mystery, unlocked; the faith of saffron, reconstructed! – This is the essence of the Tarun Tahiliani Autumn Winter collection 2013 -14 that was presented in association with Trident, Hyderabad on the ramp at Kaveri, today along with the stunning Gold Collection. A special installation of the latest Couture and Bridal collection was on display at the venue as well.

The Kumbhback Collection

Glimmers of sunrise saffron meet exuberant outbursts of fiery, marigold (genda) oranges, in Ombre embroideries; deep blues and Aubergines, the colour of midnight skies (the kinds you mull upon in Kumbh-induced awakenings), at play here, embracing a multitude of techniques and designs and fabric - including laser etching, zardozi, appliqué, bandhani, jamewar, tie and dye, velvet, animal prints, satin, thick jersey - to reveal a sensual Autumn-Winter collection.

Skirts, kurtis, jackets, dresses, the signature Tarun Tahiliani concept saris, gilets and accessories too (from bags to belts and stoles, and bajubandhs), are all imbibed with the distinct mood of India Modern - nestled deep within the designer’s own sensibilities. The menswear includes dapper jackets, bandhgalas and trendy jodhpurs that can be worn for any occasion. The silhouettes are clean, but complemented with the strokes of drapes, the designer’s trademark, and are yet completely wearable. In fact, this studio shows samples exactly as they are to be worn, and yet, there is a huge range of possibilities in the looks, because of the strictly adhered to colour palette, which allows for a completely uninhibited mix and match. So, wear a draped jersey skirt with a jersey and organza kedeo inspired jacket. Or switch to a folded drape – the possibilities are limitless, allowing for a true reign of expression, which is how it should be, when fabric is genuinely draped on the body.

The Gold Collection

Limpid pools of liquid gold gleaming in its decadent viscosity… “The Gold Collection” has as many facets as the woman who wears it. Italian lamé falls as if it’s been poured over your skin and the illusory jersey hugs every curve with the proficiency of a bias cut.

Elegant in a dulled white gold or sylph like in sparkling black, the convenience of wearing it like contemporary clothing comes with the effortless drapery of a Grecian goddess. The silhouette of the sari is maintained throughout, the pallu being created by a wire overhead as Greek and Indian sensibilities fuse, a moment worthy of Max Muller’s epiphany. Intricate details of hand embroidered Swarovski and 3D flower artwork peep at you from the intimacy of a bustier even as the chain-mail dupatta adds power and structure. Swathed in luxury and bathed in gold, it doesn’t scream splendor – refined understatement, rather.

The Bridal and Couture Collection

The Couture collection on display at the venue is laden with the weight of history yet effervescent, as it sits lightly on one’s skin. The display could take you back to an age of excess where the hallmark of genuine Indian trousseau is the painstaking made-by-hand details, the ornate embroidery and the intricate threadwork that form the collection. The colour palette is a pastoral romance of pinks, ivory, restrained beiges and bridal red.

Ivory silk threads sing in romantic paneled kurtas lifted with opals, pearls and other Swarovski crystals even as saris gleam with antique gold and silver peek-a-boo. Generous smatterings of zardozi, brocade and kalidar kurtas aside; the saris are opulent, from jamewar inspirations to gota, chikankari and bandhini indulgences.

Risqué necklines that would be at home with cocktail dresses accompany saris with shadow reverse embroidery. A glamorously wicked reinvention of the classic sari, it comes with obi belts, a cape and bustier - full of glamour, humour and worldliness.

Menswear Couture

Turning all convention on its head, from making draped dhotis out of a kanjeevaram sari and intricate sherwanis that sit lightly and with ease, every one of them is a pièce de résistance. Playing with multiple levels the sherwani, kurta and structured dhoti form a stairway to heaven.

The Bandhgala with a jersey stole sewn into the neckline belongs as much in a wedding as on the runway, providing both fashion and function. The structured cummerbunds where Don Juan meets Mughal aristocrats add drama in every ensemble. From jade green to pleated royal blue and a bejeweled one. Little details like pleated collars that do away with lapels keep things classic yet interesting. Upholding tradition with luxe velvet sherwanis and jewel embroidered necklines and cuffs, it carries elements of the Maharajas in all their Mughal glory, Persian motifs included. But facings in colours that pop and asymmetrical bundis with crinkled cotton kurtas underneath provide enough space for quirks because boys eventually will be boys.

"The nostalgic city of Hyderabad with its resonating art and culture has always fascinated me and I am delighted that our first store here is already one! The Couture Collection from our studio reflects the bygone era with a modern aplomb and demonstrates emotions that give shape to light, sensuous and luxurious drapes for occasion wear and weddings." said Tarun Tahiliani

Describing his Autumn Winter 2013 collection which was showcased alongside, Tarun Tahiliani added, “Styling, colour, pattern, embroidery, silhouette, and above all, layering, come together to showcase the heightened, ephemeral emotion of the Kumbh mela. “A spectacle of effortless originality”, a deep dive into the aesthetics and madness of the Kumbh he visited recently.

Our sponsors have played an enormous role in the success of the show…

Commenting on Trident Hyderabad, Mr. Tahiliani said, “When I walked into Trident, Hyderabad I was stunned by the beige modernity. Beige is our colour for all our collections. Tone on tone muted beige gave a sense of modern luxury. With its understated elegance, generous spaces and lively atmosphere, this was the perfect setting for the show – where luxury met style. A great step forward for both as one completes its first year in the city and the other begins its journey.”

“It was a perfect confluence of two iconic brands. Tarun Tahiliani’s style is Indian in sensibility and yet has international appeal. The exact qualities reflect in Trident, Hyderabad – which personifies a new way of life. We are excited to begin our journey with the most magnificent show which has got together friends of Tarun Tahiliani and Trident, Hyderabad.” said Mr. Sharad Puri, General Manager, Trident, Hyderabad.

“Weddings are the ultimate celebration of togetherness and splendor, and luxury spirits play an integral role on these occasions, enriching them with memorable moments. JOHNNIE WALKER® DOUBLE BLACK™ is a smokier, more intense expression of JOHNNIE WALKER® BLACK LABEL®, developed to be consistent with the signature style from the House of WALKER®. Our association with Tarun Tahiliani for his luxurious collection envisaging the charm and grandeur of an Indian wedding, seamlessly integrates the brand’s core proposition of celebrating life’s journeys.” said Mr. Bhavesh Somaya, Marketing and Innovation Director, Diageo India.

“When we think of Tarun Tahiliani and his collection, we see a strong synergy when it comes to aesthetic, quality and design,” say Kapil and Sandy Khurana – the founders of EDC.

“As a brand, EDC stands for bespoke invitations that cater to a discerning clientele and we are extremely particular about what the end product should look like. We’re happy to be associated with the showcase of Tarun’s Autumn-Winter Ready to Wear and Couture collection because we see the same passion and attention to detail in Tarun’s work as we see in ours,” they added.

Tarun Tahiliani also took this opportunity to thank Tibarumal Gems & Jewels for their support and association with this event. He expressed immense gratitude for the beautiful bespoke and original designs they spared for the event.