‘Disgrace to rich weaving culture’, netizen on India’s Olympic outfit designed by Tarun Tahiliani

Paris Olympics 2024: The Indian contingent, comprising 78 athletes and officials, made its grand entrance at the Parade of Nations on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 on Friday.

Star shuttler PV Sindhu and table tennis champion Sharath Kamal served as the flag bearers.

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For the opening ceremony, designer Tarun Tahiliani created exceptional outfits for the Indian athletes that highlighted Indian heritage on a global stage. The attire was crafted from natural fabrics to reflect India's rich tradition. The male athletes wore a white kurta and a Bundi jacket adorned with orange and green naksi work, celebrating the Indian tricolour. The jackets also featured pockets with 'India' inscriptions and the Olympic logo.

The female athletes donned ikat-inspired sarees in the tri-colours of white, orange, and green, complemented by orange and green borders and blouses. The sarees were paired with sneakers, blending traditional aesthetics with modern athletic functionality.

In a post on X, PV Sindhu wrote, “Paris 2024, flag bearer—one of the greatest honors of my life to hold our country's flag in front of millions ❤️”

In another post, swimmingfederationofindia wrote, “Our swimmers Dhinidhi Desinghu & Srihari Nataraj looking sharp in their ceremonial dress and excited to be part of the India contingent at opening ceremony Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”

However, the designer faced severe criticism and alleged to “disgrace rich weaving culture”.

A user, wrote, “Hello Tarun Tahiliani! I have seen better Sarees sold in Mumbai streets for Rs.200 than these ceremonial uniforms you’ve ‘designed’. Cheap polyester like fabric, Ikat PRINT (!!!), tricolors thrown together with no imagination. Did you outsource it to an intern or come up with it in the last 3 minutes before the deadline? Such a disgrace to the rich weaving culture and history of India.”

“If you think me calling out the designer is being disrespectful to the athlete wearing the designer’s clothes, then you are a certified idiot. Nothing but respect for everyone representing India in the greatest sporting event. It’s ridiculous that this has to be said even,” user further wrote.

Another user said, “Definitely, the designer should be called out and given the laurels of great work and bashing for mediocrity!! Glory walks hand in hand, so the right thing to point out to the designer.”

AP reported that Tarun Tahiliani, famous for blending traditional elements with a modern sensibility, applied this approach to the Olympic uniforms for his country’s team. Working with his menswear brand, Tasva, Tahiliani aimed to incorporate national pride into the design.

In an interview with GQ India, Tahiliani explained that his research revealed a trend where countries were integrating their national flags into their Olympic uniforms. Inspired by this, he crafted a design that prominently features the tricolor hues of saffron, white, and green, reflecting India's national colors.

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He told the magazine he wears a bundi every day, inspired by his father, who was an admiral in the Indian navy, AP reported.

After feedback from the Olympic committee, the designer moved away from a uniform-like look for women, opting for a sari, which he says “can flatter any body type, and that’s exactly what we want for our female athletes.”

All the designs incorporate embroidery of saffron and green. “The goal is to create outfits that empower our athletes to represent India with pride and confidence,” Tahiliani said.

(With inputs from agencies)