Dark lips, powder bindis make stunning divas: Tarun Tahiliani

New Delhi: Ace fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani, who has introduced bridal jewellery and nude-shaped drapes in his recent couture expo, tips dark lips, bindis and kohl eyes as evergreen style statements for women.

"Always wear dark lipsticks and powdered bindis. Be contemporary, use your kajal beautifully and one can look stunning," Tahiliani said during the three-day fashion extravaganza at the DLF Emporio here which began July 18. Titled "4Cs - Couture, Crystal, Craft and Carat" the annual fashion event by the designer is also set to be held in Mumbai in August 2-3. Tahiliani, renowned for his signature bridal designs and drapes has in his latest collection incorporated new styles which contain shimmering gold and soft pastels hues. The colour palette of the couture has pinks, ivory restrained beige and bridal reds. "The new bridal wear is much younger and modern. There`s fluidity to the couture. As opposed to heavy, over the top bridal wear these clothes are flexible yet simple," says Tahiliani. The range of bridal wear includes dhotis, panelled kurtas with opals and pearls with Swarovski crystals, Tahiliani`s long-time association. Others include saris with a hint of golden and silver work generously smattered with zardosi and brocade. The designs also have gota, chikankari and bandhini indulgences making the couture comfortable yet stylish. "To have beautiful lightness and comfortable designs is modern for me," says the designer who has over two decades expertise in the Indian fashion industry. Tahiliani has also panned the use of neon colours that had become a trend with several designers last season. "I don`t like neon colours other than the green malmal kurtas which look stunning. But neon bridal wear to be worn in cities is so out of place," says Tahiliani, the first Indian designer to have showcased his work in Milan fashion week and whose designs have been worn by celebrities like Shilpa Shetty, Deepika Padukone, Mehr Jesia and Lisa Haydon. The space where the Delhi expo is held, Tahiliani, decked it up with floor to ceiling drapes and lit it with dim yellow lights. "The exposition is how a wedding must be. Lightness in clothes, comfortable designs ornamented with golden drapes and royal interiors," he says. Revealing his personal favourites, Tahiliani says, "I love dressing Mehr, Deepika Padukone but Gauri Khan carries clothes beautifully. She has a unique sophistication." For this year`s couture exhibition , Tahiliani also enters the world of bridal jewellery inspired by Mughal designs with the Azva brand. He has also teamed up with Mumbai-based antiques store Ancestry to outfit the space showcasing wedding masterpieces with osler chandeliers, rare osler crystal furniture, crystal candelabras and other artefacts. To celebrate his association with a diamond brand, Tahiliani has designed an iridescent black gown in jersey material with a slight trail whose silhouette is modern with dhoti drapes in the bottom and a plunging V-neckline. Tahiliani is also set to be the finale designer at the upcoming India Bridal Fashion Week. Talking about his contribution he says, "We are showing the same collection with some new additions. However, the style and movement will be on the ramp." PTI (Pic courtesy: www.glamcheck.com )