Paris Olympics: Tarun Tahiliani reacts to criticisms regarding India's ceremonial outfits

When the national team uniforms for the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics were unveiled, the internet wasn't thrilled. The criticisms only peaked when the contingent made its entrance during the opening ceremony of the event on Friday. Netizens turned on Tarun Tahiliani, who designed the costume, calling him out for the "lazy" work, stating that the uniforms were a disgrace to the "rich weaving culture" of India.

While Tahiliani began with a kurta paired with a bundi or traditional sleeveless jacket for men, he designed an off-white saree with ikat-inspired prints along the borders for women. The fabric had tri-colours of white, orange, and green etched on it. The sari was complemented by an orange and green bordered blouse and paired with sneakers.

However, the design did not go down well with Indians online. Many took to X to vent their disappointment, calling it "cheap fabric".

One user took a jibe at the designer: "Truly inspirational work by Tarun Tahiliani for the Indian Contingent at the Olympics. He’s inspired everyone into thinking they could have done a much better job."

Lawyer Jai Dehadrai wrote: The Tarun Tahiliani-designed outfits for the Indian Olympic contingent are a total embarrassment - even more shameful is the unabashed promotion of his own commercial logo on the uniforms." 

 "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," another user said.

After the mounting criticisms, the designer himself reacted to the backlash. In an interview with Elle Magazine, Tahiliani said the ceremonial outfits for the Olympics were "created with a deep sense of pride and an intention to blend tradition with modernity."

Adding that he intended to showcase India’s rich heritage while ensuring comfort and functionality for our athletes, Tahiliani said: "It’s important to clarify that the intention was never to present haute couture; the brief was to design functional and comfortable uniforms for the athletes. A significant issue has been the imagery circulating online, which originates from the unveiling ceremony. These images of the garments on mannequins were not properly shot and do not do justice to the true quality and elegance of the outfits."

The designer said he stood firmly by their work and the thoughtful process, adding that fashion is subjective, and not every design resonates with everyone. "We respect the diverse opinions of the fashion community and the public. Ultimately, our goal remains to represent India with dignity and pride on the global stage," Tahiliani told Elle.