Jwala Gutta & fashion experts criticise Team India's Olympics uniforms, designer responds

The Paris Olympics 2024 kicked off on 26 July in Paris with a grand opening ceremony, where athletes proudly waved their country’s flags. The 117-member Indian contingent donned outfits by the brand Tasva, designed in collaboration with renowned fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani.

However, the ikat-inspired uniforms for Team India have sparked controversy and failed to impress netizens. The ceremonial outfits, which include tricolour-inspired sarees and kurtas with traditional 3D ikat prints, have faced significant criticism. Many social media influencers and fashion enthusiasts argue that ikat is a traditional handloom weaving technique, involving the dyeing of threads before weaving to create intricate patterns.

This ancient practice has been part of Indian heritage for centuries, known for its unique and complex designs. Critics claim that mere ikat prints undermine the craftsmanship of Indian artisans and weavers. Indian badminton player Jwala Gutta voiced her disappointment on social media, calling the uniforms a huge letdown. Columnist Dr. Nandita Iyer also expressed her disapproval, stating that she had seen better sarees sold on Mumbai streets for Rs. 200 than these ceremonial uniforms.

In response to the backlash, Tahiliani addressed the criticism in an interview with Elle, saying, "As a designer, feedback is always valuable, whether positive or critical. The ceremonial outfits for the Olympics were created with a deep sense of pride and an intention to blend tradition with modernity.

Our aim was to showcase India's rich heritage while ensuring comfort and functionality for our athletes. The use of ikat-inspired prints, modern silhouettes, and practical details were carefully chosen to represent India Modern."

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