Social media networks were inundated with disappointment and condemnation.
Tarun Tahiliani, the acclaimed designer, unveiled the Indian contingent’s costumes for the 2024 Paris Olympics, sparking a firestorm of criticism. The selection of a white kurta pajama for men and saris for ladies, both emblazoned with the Indian tricolor, fell short of expectations, with many on social media describing the designs as basic and lacking the grandeur associated with Tahiliani’s work.
Tasva, the brand behind the uniform that is managed by Tahiliani, decided to opt for digital ikat prints instead of traditional weaves, which further stoked the debate. According to netizens, a designer of his caliber should have delivered a more sumptuous and culturally rich image of India on the global stage.
Social media platforms were inundated with disappointment and criticism, with many questioning the reasoning behind the design decisions. The episode has spawned a broader discussion on the significance of achieving a balance between tradition, modernism, and pragmatism when representing a country on a worldwide scale.
In an official news release, Tahiliani, Tasva’s Chief Design Officer, stated, “Seeing the outfits come to life adorned with the Team India Olympics logo was a moment of immense pride for Tasva.” As our athletes floated by the Seine during the opening ceremony, they carried a piece of India, making a striking statement in the world’s fashion capital.
Though the designer did not address the controversy in the press release, he told The Hindu that using printed ikat was a deliberate decision to “meet timelines.”
This does not appear to have convinced many people of the decision. Former shuttler Jwala Gutta also said that the clothes were a “huge disappointment” for her.
Gutta posted on X, “The garments made for the Indian contingent participating in the Olympics this time have been a huge disappointment!!” (Especially once the designer was announced, I had high expectations),” she wrote.
“The choice of viscose over cotton was also deliberate. Cotton would have bee crushed badly. We used viscose because it is a wood pulp fibre and lets you breathe. It is cooler than silk,” he said. “We had to consider breathability because the athletes would be on a barge in the heat for up to five hours.”
“Hello, Tarun Tahiliani! I have seen better sarees sold in Mumbai streets for Rs. 200 than these ceremonial uniforms you’ve ‘designed’,” wrote blogger and columnist Dr. Nandita Iyer. She called it a combination of digital prints, cheap polyester fabric, and the tricolour thrown together without any imagination.
Others shared similar sentiments. Actor Tara Deshpande wrote: “They look absolutely awful. We have the greatest textile tradition in India. Who passed this design? Who budgeted for this?”
