Team India to Sport New Outfits by Tarun Tahiliani’s Tasva at Paris Olympics

Designer Tarun Tahiliani, who grew up around uniforms due to his father’s role as an Admiral in the Indian Navy, has teamed up with the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) to design the official ceremonial outfits for Team India at the Paris Olympics 2024. Tahiliani, who wears a bundi daily as his own uniform, found this collaboration with his ready-to-wear menswear label, Tasva, to be a natural fit.

The 2024 Summer Olympics, taking place from July 26 to August 11, will see over 100 Indian athletes competing, aiming to surpass the records set at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where India sent its largest contingent of 124 athletes. In previous Olympics, Indian athletes have worn various ceremonial outfits, such as beige and brown silk kurta sets with navy blue blazers for women and navy bandhgala suits for men in Tokyo 2020, ombre yellow-to-blue saris with blazers in Rio 2016, and creamy white sherwani suits in Beijing 2008.

For the 2024 Paris Olympics, Tahiliani has taken a strategic approach to designing the ceremonial outfits. In an interview with GQ, he shared insights into this exciting collaboration, the design process, and the athlete he is particularly excited to see compete.

The partnership with the IOA began around five months ago, in early 2024. Initially hesitant, Tahiliani embraced the opportunity after discussions and started sketching ideas. He noticed a trend of countries incorporating their national flags into their designs and decided to use India’s tricolour. The designs also feature Indian fabrics like Banarasi brocade, aiming for a comfortable and contemporary look for the athletes.

Tahiliani sees this as a great opportunity to showcase Indian arts and crafts on a global stage. The design prioritizes a unified look, drawing inspiration from India’s tricolour with traditional orange and green hues, subtle blue accents, and a modern Ikat print. Darker blue details, such as buttons, patch pockets, and epaulettes, add a touch of sportswear and safari wear.

Considering the unique setting of the opening ceremony on barges along the Seine, practicality was crucial. Gold sneakers made from Banarasi brocade and breathable natural fabrics like moss cotton and viscose crepe were chosen to combat the Parisian heat and allow athletes to move freely. The men’s short kurtas and bundis offer a sporty yet comfortable fit, while the women’s saris are pre-pleated for easy wear, balancing tradition and modernity.

Tahiliani was deeply involved in every step, from initial sketches to final samples. The designs are tailored to each athlete’s shape and size, ensuring a flattering fit. Feedback from the Olympic Committee led to the decision to use saris for women, as their versatility suits any body type. For men, the short kurta paired with a bundi offers a stylish and comfortable choice.

Designing for athletes differs from styling Bollywood celebrities, as it focuses more on functionality and representing the country rather than glamour. The athletes had no say in the matter, unlike celebrities with specific preferences. This project was about service and community, ensuring the outfits were practical, comfortable, and reflective of India’s heritage, promoting unity and national pride.

When asked which athlete he is rooting for, Tahiliani expressed his hope for India to win as many gold medals as possible. He is particularly cheering for the spirit of India and the women athletes who have overcome many challenges to reach this stage.