So teaming up his ready-to-wear menswear label, Tasva, with the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) as the official ceremonial dress partner for Team India at the Paris Olympics 2024 feels like a natural fit.
We've created one male and one female design and it's applied to all the athletes.
A sari's versatility allows it to flatter any body type, and that's exactly what we want for our female athletes.
How has creating something exclusively for Indian athletes differed from that experience?
I'm especially cheering for the spirit of India and the women athletes who have faced many challenges to get to this stage.
Designer Tarun Tahiliani grew up surrounded by uniforms; his father was an Admiral in the Indian navy. "That's probably why I wear a bundi every day, my own daily uniform," he remarks. So teaming up his ready-to-wear menswear label, Tasva, with the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) as the official ceremonial dress partner for Team India at the Paris Olympics 2024 feels like a natural fit.
The 2024 Summer Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, will feature over 100 Indian athletes who have qualified for the Paris Games, aiming to outperform and break the records set at 2020 Tokyo Olympics (India had sent its largest contingent with 124 athletes). At the time, for the opening ceremony, the female athletes donned beige and brown silk kurta sets with navy blue blazers, while the men wore matching navy bandhgala suits as the ceremonial outfits. In 2016, at the Rio Olympics, the internet went abuzz when our female athletes sported ombre yellow-to-blue sari with a blazer combo, while at the 2008 games in Beijing, Indian athletes wore creamy white sherwani suits during the parade.
Patchwork, embroidery and fabric details The official ceremonial outfits
This time, Tahiliani has taken a strategic approach to his designs for Team India's 2024 Olympic ceremony outfits. Just days before the official unveiling, GQ caught up with the designer over Zoom to delve into this exciting collaboration, the design process, and the athlete he's particularly excited to see compete.
How did this partnership with the IOA originate?
Tarun Tahiliani: The collaboration started around five months ago, in early 2024. While initially apprehensive, I was open to the opportunity. After discussions, I began sketching ideas. My research revealed a trend of countries incorporating national flags into their designs. I championed the use of India's tricolour for this very reason. We also explored incorporating Indian fabrics like Banarasi brocade, all with a focus on creating a comfortable and contemporary look for the athletes.
This is also a great opportunity to showcase Indian arts and craft at one of the biggest global sporting events in the world.
Tarun Tahiliani: Absolutely! The design prioritises a unified look, drawing inspiration from India's tricolour. Traditional orange and green hues are woven with subtle blue accents, featuring a modern Ikat print. Hints of darker blue are in details like buttons, while patch pockets and epaulettes add that touch of sportswear and safari wear.
This time considering the unique setting of the opening ceremony on barges along the Seine, practicality was paramount. Which is why we designed gold sneakers crafted from Banarasi brocade. Breathable natural fabrics, like moss cotton and viscose crepe, have been used to combat the Parisian heat, allowing the athletes to move freely. The men's short kurtas and bundis offer a sporty yet comfortable fit, while the women's saris are pre-pleated for easy wear. We aimed for a balance between tradition and modernity.
How closely were you involved in bringing this to life?
Initial sketches Colours inspired by the Indian flag
Tarun Tahiliani: I was deeply involved in every step, from the initial sketches to the final samples. We've created one male and one female design and it's applied to all the athletes. The designs are to be modulated to their shape and size. Everyone has a different body type, depending on the sport they are participating in. If you compare the sketches, you'll notice how different the initial design iterations were. We adapted many elements based on feedback from the Olympic Committee, such as opting for saris for women instead of a more uniform look. A sari's versatility allows it to flatter any body type, and that's exactly what we want for our female athletes. For the men, a short kurta paired with a bundi offers a stylish and comfortable choice–trust me, I live in them, and I wouldn't call myself particularly athletic. The goal is to create outfits that empower our athletes to represent India with pride and confidence.
You have often styled and designed for numerous Bollywood celebrities. How has creating something exclusively for Indian athletes differed from that experience?
The moodboard Embroidery details
Tarun Tahiliani: Designing for athletes is more about functionality and representing the country rather than glamour. The athletes had no say in the matter, unlike celebrities who have specific preferences. It was a professional endeavour focused on service and community, ensuring the outfits were practical, comfortable, and reflective of India's heritage. The spirit of the project is about unity and national pride, different from the individualised world of Bollywood fashion.
Which athlete are you rooting for at the Olympics this year?
Tarun Tahiliani: It's hard to choose just one athlete. Of course, I would like to see India achieve as many gold medals as possible. But I hope everyone, including star athletes like Neeraj Chopra, perform well. I'm especially cheering for the spirit of India and the women athletes who have faced many challenges to get to this stage.
