The Indian contingent, comprising 78 athletes and officials, made its entrance during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 on Friday, with PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal serving as the flag bearers. The outfits were designed by celebrity fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani. But, his ikat-inspired uniforms have failed to impress, garnering significant criticism on social media. The women's outfit comprised a saree in tri-colours showcasing the famous Ikat print, while the men donned similar coloured kurta-pyjamas paired with a Bundi-jacket.
AI-GENERATES ALTERNATE OUTFITS:
After this backlash, a video is doing the rounds on the internet which features alternate uniforms designed by AI. Staying true to the sentiment of the tri-colour, these uniforms breathe in a sense of freshness to the original design.
Netizens were quick to take to the comments section and leave their remarks. While some appreciated the AI designs, others found Tarun Tahiliani's version better.
One of them wrote, "This is a better outfit, stop shaming and making fun of the designers, have you read the caption. It has been made for the utmost comfort from the athletes point of view and the simplicity in style and colours to display a clear representation of the country. The athletes are mostly from normal middle class families who don't care that much about what's in trend or what's in fashion. TBH only the athlete's family has the right to complain if they don't like the outfit."
Another one remarked, "AI is far better. The current one looks like it was designed for vidhwa n vidur people." This was followed by a third comment which read, "Tarun Tahliani did a horrible job with the uniforms"
Soon, a fourth comment popped in which read, "The AI designs should be saved and used for the next time. They are so amazing and give such a powerful representation of new India while showcasing our Indian colours. Tarun Tahiliani should take a look at this for sure. His designs for the ladies especially was not very great"
TARUN TAHILIANI OPENS UP ABOUT THE BACKLASH FACED:
As per a report by India Today, Tarun Tahiliani, who was slammed for the Indian contingent's costume at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has said he stands by the design of the uniforms. Stressing it was time to focus on the medals, Tahiliani asserted several big-wigs had asked him to make a similar uniform for them.
"I stand by these uniforms," Tahiliani said, adding, "It was not my decision to put the ladies in sarees at the last minute, but still I wanted a cohesion between the flag and uniforms, and I stand by them."
Taking to their Instagram handle two days back, Tasva also wrote, "The colours that reflect the pride of the nation were carefully woven together to create the ceremonial ensembles for our Olympians. From scouting for the most comfortable fabric for the Paris weather to choosing Ikat-inspired print to add a layer of tradition, these outfits are the perfect fit for our athletes. The attires, designed to blend traditional sophistication with contemporary flair, make Team India stand out in the crowd."