In a graceful tribute to legacy, Indian fashion virtuoso Tarun Tahiliani unveiled Quintessence – The Spirit of Tarun Tahiliani Couture & Bridal 2025 at The Oberoi, New Delhi, coinciding with the hotel’s 60th anniversary. This intimate, poetic showcase commemorated Tahiliani’s own milestone—30 years at the vanguard of Indian couture.
A Harmony of Craft and Calm
Titled Quintessence, the collection echoed Tahiliani’s ethos: refined restraint, emotional resonance, and timeless elegance. Rooted in the designer’s belief that “What endures is never loud. It lingers like a memory – measured, luminous and true,” Quintessence spoke of quiet luxury and intimate presence.
The Oberoi, New Delhi—founded in 1965—offered both stage and muse. Its architectural grace and serene interiors provided the perfect canvas for this bridal collection that celebrated subdued elegance.
Minimalism as Statement
Far from maximalist glamour, Tahiliani’s Quintessence prioritized nuance over ostentation. The 95 ensembles featured delicate fusions of Indian embroidery—chikankari, resham, kasheedakari, shaded threadwork, jaali, and zardozi—infused into silhouettes imbued with modern structure.
Silhouettes included lehengas, panelled kalidars, conceptual saris, structured corsets, layered jackets, and even garments for men like bandhgalas, sherwanis, and suits. Tahiliani’s palette transitioned from soft beiges to muted pinks and reds, expressing subtle emotional arcs. The collection emphasized proportion, movement, and emotional depth over dramatic volume or heavy embellishment, encouraging brides and grooms to feel themselves—not be hidden by their attire.
Décor, Art, and Atmosphere
The venue pulsed with life as music—piano, saxophone, cello, and drums—set the tone for the show. A highlight of the décor was the exclusive collaboration with de Gournay, renowned for hand-painted wallcoverings. They created a bespoke suite titled Early Views of India, rendered on ivory Indian Tea Paper. Tahiliani also repurposed a custom-painted silk panel into a couture jacket, bridging decorative art and fashion.
The scenography, crafted by longtime collaborator Sumant Jayakrishnan, echoed the collection’s ethos—serene spaces evoking a deeper sense of presence amid evolving rhythms.
Legacy and Vision United
This show exemplified a deeper vision: celebrating two legacies in dialogue. The Oberoi, New Delhi, and Tarun Tahiliani each brought decades of artistry to the stage. In Tahiliani’s words, “Craft, karigar, construction: that’s the real star. Let the work speak.”
Quintessence stood as a manifesto for a future of Indian luxury that is soulful, personal, and enduring—a future shaped by quiet confidence, meaningful detail, and heartfelt creativity.
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