The prestigious amfAR Gala at the Cannes Film Festival this year has Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani as part of its high profile line-up. The theme of the gala, hosted by The Foundation for AIDS Research, will see participation by leading international designers and fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli, Burberry, Christian Dior and Gucci, among others.
The theme for this year’s event is, Ultimate Gold Collection Fashion Show, for which Tahiliani, the only Indian designer in the fray, has created two gold-themed outfits along with a piece of gold jewellery. “I was invited to participate, and I want to use this gala as a platform to showcase an Indian-yet-modern creation,” says the designer, who will leave early next week for the event scheduled for May 23.
Tahiliani says there are no nerves before the big event. “I think what I’ve designed is beautiful, and you have to believe in what you do. The sketches had to be sent in a little in advance because the organisers are curating the event,” he says, naming Cavalli, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana and Chanel as some design houses he admires.
The highlight of the creations for the gala is an evening gown, draped in georgette. “It gives the illusion of a dhoti-sari; it’s contemporary. I didn’t want to go with a gold embroidered lehenga because I wanted to infuse Indianness with modernity, and not go bridal. I wanted it to be like clothes abroad, which you can just pick up and wear,” he says.
{{/usCountry}}The highlight of the creations for the gala is an evening gown, draped in georgette. “It gives the illusion of a dhoti-sari; it’s contemporary. I didn’t want to go with a gold embroidered lehenga because I wanted to infuse Indianness with modernity, and not go bridal. I wanted it to be like clothes abroad, which you can just pick up and wear,” he says.
{{/usCountry}}The icing on the cake might be a Hollywood A-lister donning Tahiliani’s creation. “We’re trying to decide between Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and a model,” he says, nonchalantly.