If digitisation, lightness and the art of revelling in the simplicity of things are the ways of the present world, then master couturier Tarun Tahiliani has taken to all of it like a fish to water. From presenting the first virtual fashion show in India to his recent showcase of his latest spring/summer line, Tahiliani has set the bar for the alignment of comfort and couture higher as he has continued to remarkably compete with himself, with his recent showcase titled Timelessness being his lightest collection yet.

Timelessness is Tarun Tahiliani's lightest collection yet. Picture courtesy: The designer

Set to Ma Faiza’s effervescent beats, the fashion film embodied a spirit of buoyancy brought about by easy, wearable silhouettes elevated by painstaking craftsmanship including aari, kashida, kasab, chikankari and other techniques. Inspired by the present times when occasions have been rendered more special due to the constraints within which they are conceived, the collection puts forth “lightness” more as a noun than an adjective. Light lehngas, shararas, peplum blouses, concept saris, newly-structured drapes and anarkalis on a wide palette comprising whites, pastels and red made up the collection that has something for every occasion and every person in the wedding party. The designer has created a contemporary fusion of the ancient craft techniques of art, kasab and chikan on his handprinted prints and “an infusion of handlooms such as Chanderi squares and stripes as well as unique Kanjivaram weaves along with bandhini.” Gota, kundan and dull metallics and thread-work add texture.

The groom can select from amongst sherwanis, kurta sets, bundi and bandhgalas. Picture courtesy: The designer

The groom can select from amongst sherwanis, kurta sets, bundi and bandhgalas in fabrics such as raw silk, mutka silk and linen with Tahiliani’s trademark chikankari and pale brocades, along with artisanal, natural sherwanis.

“Persian jaali in monuments has always been of great inspiration to me and I love to find ways to incorporate it in my design work. This season I have used laser-cut jaalis in three-four tones on light silk, accentuated with kasab and kundan and the use of precisely cut gota, not only to ensure the sumptuousness of these techniques but also to maintain lightness in the final garment,” said Tahiliani.

The designer has created a contemporary fusion of ancient craft techniques. Picture courtesy: The designer

Potlis, clutches and belts made by the craftsmen at Tahiliani’s atelier with his signature tassels here or a dash of there and some gorgeous, fine jewellery complemented the looks.

Timelessness is for the bride who does not want to be weighed down by her own lehnga but wants to be the belle of her own ball, complete with a flute of champagne in her hand.