Tarun Tahiliani On Fashion, Film And The Fine Art Of Hosting A Party
Tarun Tahiliani has been defining—and redefining—fashion for decades. So, naturally, we had questions
It's hard to capture in just a few words the impact Tarun Tahiliani has had on Indian fashion. The couturier, who has come to be synonymous with his signature ‘India Modern’ aesthetic, has mastered the art of elegance by putting Indian crafts at the centre of it. All the while, pushing boundaries with his drapes, silhouettes and construction. It helps that he is the ultimate arbiter of taste and an emissary of Indian culture—designing for the country’s most stylish on one day and experiencing the Kumbh Mela with Pierpaolo Piccioli on another. In a candid conversation, Indian fashion’s original fusionist unveils essential lessons for the Esquire man—from sartorial wisdom to the art of hosting the perfect party.
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Do you think Indian men have become more experimental with fashion?
Absolutely. The Indian man today is evolving—he’s confident, discerning and far more attuned to who he is. There’s a remarkable shift, a quiet sartorial revolution where he’s no longer confined to the straitjacket of tradition. He’s embracing drapes, layering, asymmetry—he’s exploring softer, more fluid shapes with an ease that was unthinkable a decade ago.
And why not? Comfort is no longer separate from elegance. There’s a demand for functionality, yes, but also for individuality. He wants to feel his clothes, live in them and express something personal through them. That’s where the experimentation lies. It’s not about being loud, it’s about being authentic. And that, to me, is the true spirit of India Modern.
How is Gen-Z influencing Indian menswear right now?
Gen-Z is fearless. They don’t carry the baggage of tradition the same way previous generations did. They’re blending Indian and Western, embracing gender-fluid styles and using fashion as a language for self-expression rather than conformity. It’s refreshing. They are forcing the industry to listen, to evolve and to simplify without losing craft.
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Indian designers and crafts are finally being celebrated on a global stage. What do you make of it?
It’s long overdue. We come from a land where textiles and craftsmanship are embedded in our culture. And for years, India was the source for the world’s finest handwork. So, it’s only natural that when our designers bring that heritage to the global stage with authenticity and modernity, the world is ready to embrace it.
And do you think Indian silhouettes and shapes have inspired global menswear?
There’s a certain languidness to Indian silhouettes that is now making its way into international fashion vocabulary. Whether it’s the kurta reinterpreted as a tunic or the draped lungi seen on international runways, Indian forms are being admired for their ease and adaptability.
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Wedding wear is one of the biggest segments in India. In 2025, what is the Indian groom looking for?
He wants to look elegant, yes—but he also wants to move. He wants to dance at his wedding. He wants to wear something rooted in heritage but doesn’t want to feel like he’s carrying the weight of it. That’s why comfort, lighter construction and modern styling are becoming just as important as embroidery and fit.
What prompted your move into prêt with Tasva?
It was the desire to democratise occasion wear. For too long, beautifully tailored Indian menswear was considered a luxury only for the few. With Tasva, we wanted to bring the same sensibility—of cut, comfort and heritage—to a wider audience. Every man should have access to garments that are elegant, thoughtfully made, and don’t break the bank.
But how does a designer known for opulence and grandeur translate that aesthetic into something more pared-down?
It’s about focusing on what really matters—cut, fabric, comfort. The essence of luxury isn’t always in the ornamentation. It can be in the way a garment moves, the way it breathes, how it makes you feel. Even with Tasva or OTT (luxury prêt label), we try to bring that same integrity and thought into design, just with a different language.
Three essentials every man should always have in his wardrobe?
A beautifully tailored white shirt, a classic bandhgala that can be dressed up or down, and a pair of well cut trousers in a neutral shade.
How can the bandhgala be embraced beyond festive occasions?
We’ve always believed that pieces like the bandhgala are incredibly versatile. When styled right—with denim or even tailored trousers—they can be transformed into day or evening wear. It’s all about deconstructing occasion wear and making it part of everyday dressing. That’s what modern India needs—a wardrobe that works harder and looks smarter.
How would you define good taste?
Good taste is quiet. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it speaks volumes in detail, restraint and coherence. It’s about understanding proportion, colour, fabric and knowing when to stop.
Fashion vs style—how can one cultivate the latter without becoming a victim of the former?
Fashion is fleeting, style is eternal. Style comes from knowing yourself, not chasing trends. It’s about understanding what works for your body, your life, your identity. Once you know that, you can build a wardrobe that evolves with you, not against you.
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A film or book that has, or continues to, inspire you?
The Godfather, The Hours, Nureyev, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, and the lessons from The Good Earth!
When not at work, how do you unwind?
To be honest, I’m mostly always at work—though I hesitate to even call it that. The studio is where I feel most alive. I still wake up excited to create, to drape, to collaborate with my team. I feel incredibly fortunate that I get to do this every day. That said, travel is how I unwind. I love to immerse myself in new cultures, architecture, art and food. It nourishes the soul and inevitably finds its way back into the work—sometimes in subtle details, sometimes in spirit.
Do you cook, and what do you whip up well?
I’m only cooking up ideas in my head.
What’s your go-to drink or cocktail?
A pink gin and tonic with cucumbers.
What’s your secret to hosting a great party?
It’s all about creating an experience. Great lighting, beautiful music, good food—and making sure every guest feels like they belong.
What advice would you give a designer who is just starting out?
Stay true to your voice. Learn the business, respect the craft and never compromise on quality. Design is not just about clothes—it’s about storytelling, emotion and clarity of vision.
To read more stories from Esquire India's April 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.