'Not a couture show, I stand by our design': Tarun Tahiliani responds to flak over Team India's Olympics costume

The tournament, which began on July 26 and will run till August 11, witnessed some spectacle and grandeur in terms of presentation in the opening ceremony.

The Indian contingent were made to wear traditionals which included white kurtas and sarees with the colours of the National Flag dominating over them.

However, several netizens and celebrities have criticised the outfits and designs claiming they lacked the lustre as compared to contingents from other countries.

'Not a couture show'

Now, Tahiliani has responded to the criticism and stood beside the costumes claiming they adhered to the guidelines of the Olympic Committee.

In an interview with NDTV, the fashion designer said, "Many things changed at the last minute. I stand by our design. This is what we Indians wear, and this is not to be a couture show. I accept people can have their views. I am good with that, but I stand by what we did."

"We wanted the team in the colours of the tricolour as most countries follow their flag and that was visible from afar," he added.

Photo courtesy: IBNS File

The designer said his team had only three weeks to prepare the costumes for the mega event.

"I can't weave handloom for 300 uniforms in that time. The shoes were brocade, brocade from Benares," he said.

Speaking to India Today TV, Tahiliani said, "Well, that was a little more rushed, because dealing with the government means there are committees. Then there were elections and there was a new sports minister. Although the Indian Olympic Association was very sweet, PT Usha (IOA President) was amazing. But then the athletes were all over India, and so we couldn't get measurements. There was no fitting."

"I just designed it to look like a simple, clean look," he said.

'Such a disgrace to the rich weaving culture and history of India'

(Photo courtesy: Indian Olympic Association Instagram handle and IBNS File)