Fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani has defended his uniforms for the Indian contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics amidst significant criticism. Stressing the need to shift focus to the athletes' performance and medals, Tahiliani mentioned receiving positive feedback from several industrialists who admired the uniforms.
"I stand by these uniforms," Tahiliani affirmed, adding, "It was not my decision to put the ladies in sarees at the last minute, but still, I wanted cohesion between the flag and uniforms, and I stand by them. It's time to focus on the medals, I think."
Tahiliani emphasized that the feedback from influential figures underscored the merit of the uniforms. "The flotilla down the Seine is long over. Many industrialists who were there have asked me to make this uniform for them. A difference of opinion is totally fine," he added.
The Olympic outfits faced heavy criticism on social media, where many labeled them an "eyesore" and a "work of absolute mediocrity." Male athletes were dressed in white kurta pajamas with jackets featuring the saffron and green of the Indian tricolor, while female athletes wore sarees. The backlash prompted a statement from Tasva, an Aditya Birla Group brand with Tahiliani as the chief design officer.
Tasva's statement clarified that their aim was not haute couture but functional and comfortable uniforms for athletes. "We are proud and gratified by the positive feedback we've received, especially from the athletes themselves. We recognize that in a diverse country like India, opinions will vary, and we welcome all perspectives. Our ultimate goal remains to represent India with dignity and pride on the global stage."
The statement also highlighted the symbolic importance of the tricolor in their design. "We at Tasva feel that the best way to represent the country is the tricolor. When the athletes wore the tricolor designs and sailed past the Seine River, it was a powerful imagery and a very proud moment for all of us Indians," it read.
Former Indian badminton star Jwala Gutta was among the prominent voices criticizing the uniforms. In an X post, she expressed her disappointment, noting that many female athletes seemed uncomfortable in sarees and suggesting that pre-draped sarees would have been more practical. She criticized the fit of the blouses and the overall design, which she felt failed to showcase the beauty of Indian art and culture.
Similarly, columnist Dr. Nandita Iyer and actor Tara Deshpande condemned the design for its poor quality and lack of imagination. Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai criticized the uniforms as a total embarrassment, calling for the involvement of traditional Indian designers and weavers to better represent India's rich textile heritage.
Despite the widespread criticism, Tahiliani's response and the support from certain quarters reflect a complex mix of opinions on the uniforms. While some appreciate the symbolic and functional aspects, others believe that the design missed an opportunity to highlight India's rich cultural legacy through textiles and craftsmanship.
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