Sports sans style
Sheetal
Athletes from across the world will be competing at the Olympics, which take off in Paris today. So, it was but obvious that countries would be putting their best foot forward in sports as well as fashion! However, not only did India fail to register in top-10 national ceremonial uniforms on the Olympics official website and Instagram, but also disappointed many sports and fashion enthusiasts back home.
Indian dresses and sports kit were unveiled weeks ahead of the Olympics. The former has been sponsored by Tasva, a traditional Indian-wear label with modern craftsmanship, managed by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd and Tarun Tahiliani, whereas the latter has been managed by The JSW Group.
Epic failure
How many times do we have to reflect the Indian flag in the dresses? That’s the easiest thing Tahiliani could do! Even the choice of synthetic fabric is a big no in a country known for its handlooms. Tahiliani picks ikkat print, but somehow managed to let down by digitally printing this resist-dyed weaving technique, which would have otherwise helped showcase richness of India’s art and paid homage to undervalued artisans.
Ignorance is bliss
For any fashion designer, it’s an honour to design clothes for athletes who would be making history by winning medals at the Olympics, but Tahiliani’s reluctance to post a single picture of this moment on his Instagram handle speaks for his level of commitment. On the same social media handle, he proudly flaunts actresses and models donning his luxury designs for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding, including the likes of Kim Kardashian, Hardik Pandya, Katrina Kaif, Ayushmann Khurrana and many more.
The ceremonial dress only makes an appearance at India’s Olympic Committee’s social media handles and brand Tasva’s official account. But netizens made extra efforts to reach these official pages just to express their discontent. An Instagram user wrote, “Shame, you took away government money to promote your stupid logo.”
Another one wrote, “The very premise of ‘ikkat-inspired prints’ should be embarrassing to anyone who has any background in Indian textiles. Either do real ikkat, or real block prints, both of which have a wide and deep tradition in India. Very embarrassing with not a hint of thought on design.” It’s a missed opportunity to showcase India on the world stage, as someone commented, “What even are these, I wouldn’t even buy them for free. Have you seen Mongolia’s uniform? It’s stunning. This is one reason why India is laughed at, no innovation at all, lazy corrupt work @tasvafashion @weareteamindia.”
Shining through
On the other hand, Mongolia, Haiti, Canada and many others countries received praise for their ceremonial clothing with themes that best represented their countries.
Fashion commentator, Sufi Motiwala, who rates every big-small event in India or overseas, says, “I am petrified… Other countries have tried so hard to bring in art and tradition into their ceremonial dresses. Haiti just delivered a magnificent outfit. Even without the use of the flag, you could tell its Korea just because how stylish and beautiful the outfit is. Mongolia is on another level and should be hailed as the whole fashion moment. Look at what we did, we just took basic silhouette and added Indian flag’s tricolor in it. I understand and appreciate the significance of that, but is this the pinnacle of our creativity. It is the Olympics and you put barely two minutes into thinking what to make. Highly disappointing!”
