The Indian contingent, consisting of 78 athletes and officials, made a grand entrance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 on Friday. PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal, the flag bearers, led the team adorned in outfits designed by celebrity fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani. However, the ikat-inspired uniforms have sparked significant backlash on social media.
Outfit Details and Initial Reactions
The women’s outfit featured a saree in tri-colors showcasing the famous ikat print, while the men donned similar colored kurta-pyjamas paired with a Bundi-jacket. PV Sindhu shared pictures of her outfit on social media, expressing her pride in being the flag bearer.
Netizens Criticize the Design and Fabric
Despite the designer’s reputation, netizens were quick to voice their dissatisfaction with the outfits. Criticism centered around the choice of fabric and the design execution.
- One social media user compared the sarees to those sold on Mumbai streets for Rs.200, accusing Tahiliani of using cheap polyester-like fabric and a lack of creativity in the design. They questioned if the design was rushed or outsourced to an intern, calling it a disgrace to India’s rich weaving culture.
- The use of printed ikat instead of hand-woven or hand-painted pieces also drew ire. Critics felt this missed an opportunity to showcase the rich heritage of Indian textiles on a global platform like the Olympics.
Public Figures Join the Critique
- Vijayalaxmi Chhabra took to Instagram to express her disapproval of the fabric choice, highlighting that viscose was used instead of traditional materials. She criticized the Ministry of Textiles and Handloom for approving the project, which seemed to contradict their own initiatives like #Anantsutra.
- Actor Tara Deshpande echoed these sentiments on X, lamenting that the outfits did not reflect India’s rich textile tradition and questioning the decision-making process behind the design and budgeting.
Conclusion
The backlash against Tarun Tahiliani’s designs for the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024 highlights a broader conversation about the representation of cultural heritage on international stages. While the intent might have been to merge traditional aesthetics with contemporary design, the execution has evidently fallen short of public expectations.
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