After an absence of six years, Tarun Tahiliani is back where he belongs. The designer showcased his new couture collection The Last Dance Of The Courtesans at the ongoing India Couture Week 2016, inspired by the old-world courtesans of royal India. So naturally there were lots of heavily-embellished anarkalis and sarees, all beautifully showcasing the designer’s collaboration with Swarovski for the couture presentation.
The setting resembled a royal darbar filled with a large candle-lit crystal chandelier and a jasmine filled pond, with Kathak dancer Manjari Chaturvedi performing live at the show. The veteran designer showcased 28 couture pieces in sheer fabrics like chiffon, tulle, silks, and light brocades mixed with delicate thread work and crystals, all invoking the sophisticated seduction and elegance of those fabled courtesans.
Sleeveless anarkalis were turned into jumpsuits, and there were also corsetted kurtas, shararas with tulle and gota, and draped brocade lehengas all referencing the opulence of the past but with a modern ease that’s important to the contemporary Indian bride. Pastel shades of cream, pink and peach were in abundance, all heavily embroidered in trademark Tahiliani style. Despite that, the construction was kept light to facilitate movement and functionality.