Swarovski studded elephant for Tahiliani

Designer Tarun Tahiliani’s Bridal Exposition, which starts at Emporio mall in the capital today, will have a star attraction, not in the form of a Bollywood celeb, but as a 10-feet tall elephant.

Designer Tarun Tahiliani’s Bridal Exposition, which starts at Emporio mall today, will have a star attraction, not in the form of a Bollywood celeb, but as a 10-feet tall elephant. The designer has created the life-sized elephant, bejewelled with Swarovski crystals, to be stationed outside the entrance of the mall.

"I needed something to bring out the royal element, since my clothes are traditional yet modern," he says, adding, "I want the elephant to lead the bridal procession, the theme of my show. I will mount a mannequin on it so it looks like the mahout."

Five craftsmen worked for three weeks to finish the bronze elephant, which Tarun now plans to buy. "It costs Rs 8–10 lakh. I’ve decided to buy it. It’ll come with me to my studio in Gurgaon. I will have a pet elephant now," laughs Tarun, who had also showcased a studded jumbo in London’s famous elephant parade last month.



Meanwhile, he is unhappy about hinted allegations by some that he was trying to sabotage the ongoing FDCI Couture Week. "I think they are just jealous," Tarun says.