'Cheap' & 'Crumpled': Fans slam Tarun Tahiliani for India's outfit at Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony
The women's outfit was a tri-coloured saree showcasing the famous Ikat print, while the men wore similarly coloured kurta-pyjamas paired with Bundi jackets.
Updated : July 27, 2024 04:28 PM ISTThe women's outfit was a tri-coloured saree showcasing the famous Ikat print, while the men wore similarly coloured kurta-pyjamas paired with Bundi jackets.
Team India in Tarun Tahiliani outfits
With a 117-strong contingent representing Team India at the Paris Olympics 2024, fans expected to see a lot more, especially during the opening ceremony with PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal serving as the flag bearers. However, instead of praising the Indian team, what grabbed everyone's attention were the outfits worn by the athletes, coaches, and support staff. Designed by celebrity fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani, his ikat-inspired uniforms failed to impress many, garnering significant criticism on social media.
And, we’re all set for the Opening Ceremony! Tune in for a unique Ceremony, a first for the Summer Olympics where the ceremony will be held outside a stadium! The parade of athletes will be held on river Seine!
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) July 26, 2024
Let’s cheer loud for our athletes! Chalo #JeetKiAur#Cheer4Bharat pic.twitter.com/KQjzd4axvF
The women's outfit was a tri-coloured saree showcasing the famous Ikat print, while the men wore similarly coloured kurta-pyjamas paired with Bundi jackets. Netizens criticized Tarun Tahiliani’s designs on X (formerly known as Twitter), with many calling them "cheap". Others noted that the athletes’ attire appeared to get 'crumpled' easily, leading to further dissatisfaction. Some questioned why "printed ikat" was used instead of hand-woven or hand-painted pieces, suggesting that this was a missed opportunity to showcase the rich heritage of Indian textiles.
Dear Tarun Tahiliani, you could have left your Tasva logo at least for this time. Everything can't be of comercial interest. This could have been the biggest stage to show our weaving heritage. #IndiaAtOlympics #OlympicGames #Olympics2024Paris #OlympicOpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/s0g3ioeHDY
— bijayalaxmi mohanty (@kdrebel) July 27, 2024
Crumpled kurtas, polyester printed sarees. Faded colours.
— namita 🪡✍️ (@namitaj68) July 27, 2024
Coming from the land of a hundred plus handloom fabrics, numerous outstanding weaves and vibrant colours.
Travesty. https://t.co/CwLelwBR8f
Many also wondered why the designers did not move away from the tri-colour scheme to something more unique to India, considering the country's diverse states and their distinct designs.
Many expressed their desire to give new and upcoming designers a chance to showcase their styles in the future rather than relying on top designers from luxury houses. Some even used AI to generate alternative designs for the Indian Olympic outfits, which many found to be even more beautiful.
Microsoft AI has better ideas than Tarun Tahiliani!#India #Olympics2024Paris #Olympics #Paris https://t.co/fhIHUb8GQt pic.twitter.com/WkeLicbWPF
— ಮೀಮರ್ ಮುತ್ತಣ್ಣ (@ijnani) July 27, 2024
At the opening ceremony, 78 Indian athletes participated alongside officials from 12 disciplines and arrived by boat on the River Seine, which runs through Paris. Viewers liked the outfits from countries like Mongolia, Sri Lanka and more, which represented their country's style the best.
This quadrennial competition will be held for the 33rd time in 2024, at the Summer Olympics in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11. It is projected that competitors from more than 200 nations will compete in 329 events across 32 sports.