Thaindian News

New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS) A beautifully-lit Qutub Minar served as the dramatic backdrop for renowned designer Tarun Tahiliani to showcase his collection, inspired by the Turkish Ottoman Empire, at an off-site show that had many Delhiites cheering.

Sufi musicians set the mood as the show progressed and models strutted down a long ramp in Tahiliani’s creations at the Blue Frog in The Kila, Mehrauli, Thursday night - part of the Wills India Fashion Week (WIFW).

The collection consisted of pieces inspired from bridles and chest straps used in medieval Turkey. Woven straps in geometric shapes like squares, circles and octagons held up the dress drapes.

As many as 52 models walked the ramp donning Indian and western silhouettes like panelled gilets, shirts, skirts, harem pants, kurta-churidar, tunics, saris with sculpted cholis and graphic borders, mid calf dresses, draped tunics, lehengas and kaftans with motifs of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.

“Elements of Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace comes alive through the use of hyacinths, carnations and tulip motifs used in deep mauves, royal blues and fiery reds,” Tahiliani told IANS.

“Classic jewel tones of wine dregs, black, old rose, indigo blues also co-exist. Charmeuse, georgette, stretch jersey, lycra and net all come together in this collection in back baring silhouettes,” he added.

After Rohit Bal, Tahiliani is the second designer to have chosen an off-site show. “I guess different elements, which can be used in an off-site definitely add more character to the show, something that is not possible at MSA Hall in Pragati Maidan.”

Daughter of sitar player Ravi Shankar, Anoushka, who is based in London, was seen enjoying the show sitting in the front row after making her presence felt in Gaurav Jai Gupta and Kanika Saluja Chaudhry’s show.