Saris with zippers? Ridiculous!

He is the undisputed king of drapes in India, has dressed celebs like Shilpa Shetty and wants to drape Kate Winslet in his creations!
Tarun Tahiliani talks to The Times of India ahead of his Bridal Couture Exposition, scheduled over July and August across four cities, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata
Where does the sex appeal like in a sari? The pallu? The pleats? The body or does it lie in the way a woman drapes it across her body?
It definitely lies in the way a woman drapes it over her body.The trick is, if you have noticed, a woman who is used to wearing a sari always looks good in it versus a woman who chooses to wear a sari less frequently. The reason is, the former category of women know their body well and how it responds to the pleats, folds and drapes of the sari.
Tell us something about the Bengali style of draping the sari...
It is beautiful, no doubt, but it is not about enhancing the woman’s body. The Bengali way of draping a sari is more about functionality. However, that said, I have seen women tend to have this conception that the tighter the sari is draped, the sexier it is. But let me point out to them that this is not the case! A sari should be let to lie carelessly over the body instead to making it work too hard!
But isn’t the sari a cumbersome garment?
When the traditional sari was born, woman didn’t go out a lot. They used to stay at home all the time. So the sari has followed that pattern. And the sari is a formal garment, worn mostly as eveningwear on special occasions. It will never become a day thing. Nowadays you wont get to see girls on the campus prancing around in saris!
Many designers are attempting to give the sari a makeover. Saris with zippers, saris worn like a skirt, saris worn over skinny jeans, saris with pockets...What do you have to say about that?
Why, for God’s sake, would someone want to wear a sari over denims?! And saris with zippers? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!
A concept note that’s been handed over to would-be Bengali brides is, the heavily zardosied Benarasi in bright reds is the best way to look like a diva on your wedding! Can you give Bengali brides more options?
I believe that one could incorporate contemporary elements into one’s bridal wear and still look traditional. Bengali brides can ditch the traditional Benarasi and opt for Kanjeevarams in gorgette.
What is the key in giving a modern twist to your collections, at the same time retaining traditional aspects?
The key lies in construction and structure draping. Using unusual and modern fabrics and giving it a traditional twist is the other way of mixing the contemporary and the vintage.
Indian traditional garments are associated with opulence. You talk about your designs being modern and international. How do you relate that opulent bit to modern designs? Isn’t modern all about clean minimalism-classic styles of texturing and clean cuts?
I am an Indian designer after all so opulence would always be part of my designs. However, I do opulence in an understated and sophisticated manner. I have seen opulence being confused with heavily embroidered and sequinned borders that weigh down a woman and, in some extreme cases, I have seen how the zari work even cuts into the skin leaving lesions and even drawing blood! Now that is not opulence, that’s torture! Opulence is luxury that can be felt with just a touch. It is when a brand gives you the promise of a great fit.
Who is your favourite Indian designer?
I like Rohit Bal’s creations.
And your favourite international designer?
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. And I like Armani! I love anything with drapes!
Your favourite garment besides the sari?
Again, anything that has drapes! My eye responds to drapes very very positively!
A woman who looks best in a sari?
Any woman who’s got a curvaceous figure would look good in a sari. Slender women tend not to look that good.
One woman you’d love to drape?
Sonam Kapoor. And Kate Winslet!
Name one accessory that’s a must with the sari.
Jewelled shoes. Try wearing a sari with a belt.
What’s the one common mistake women make with the drape?
They sometimes wear it too tight! A sari should be allowed to breathe.