Tarun Tahiliani Unveils Navaratna: A New Perspective on Couture
At Hyundai India Couture Week 2026, in association with Nexxus New York, Tarun Tahiliani departed from the conventional runway format to introduce Navaratna through an exclusive media preview at Bikaner House, New Delhi, before the evening’s runway presentation. The approach reflected Tahiliani’s belief that couture is best understood up close, where craftsmanship can be appreciated before the garments come alive on the runway.
Walking through the installation, we were immediately drawn to the level of craftsmanship on display. Intricate embroidery, layered textiles, sculptural construction, and hand-finished embellishments could be examined at leisure—details that often disappear in the few fleeting seconds a garment spends on the runway.
Explaining the decision behind the preview, Tahiliani said, “We need a new way of presenting in India because our couture—and our bridal collections—are about weddings. They’re also about a level of detail that people need time to appreciate. I wanted to do something where people could really see the detail and stop—if they wanted to spend four minutes in front of a garment.”
The preview was not simply an introduction to the show; it became an integral part of the collection’s narrative, allowing editors, buyers, and industry insiders to understand the craftsmanship, construction, and artistry before seeing the garments in motion.
When the presentation transitioned to the catwalk later that evening, the experience continued beyond the finale. Rather than disappearing backstage, the models remained within the venue, giving guests another opportunity to study the collection up close. Tahiliani also spent time interacting with members of the media, sharing the inspiration behind Navaratna and discussing the thinking behind this more immersive format.
Across the collection, Tahiliani’s signature design vocabulary was unmistakable. Sculptural corsetry, fluid draping, architectural gowns, contemporary saris, and intricately crafted bridal ensembles reflected his longstanding ability to unite Indian craftsmanship with modern construction. Techniques including chikankari, zardozi, ajrakh, and kashidakari were seamlessly incorporated into silhouettes designed for today’s global luxury client.
Fusion has long defined the House of Tarun Tahiliani, and Navaratna reaffirmed that philosophy. Despite the richness of the embellishment and the complexity of the embroidery, the garments remained remarkably lightweight—an enduring hallmark of the label. The collection resonates with a new generation of brides who value movement, comfort, and versatility as much as craftsmanship and couture.
In an industry where runway presentations are often over in minutes, Navaratna presented a thoughtful alternative. By inviting guests to slow down, engage with the craftsmanship, and then experience the garments in motion, Tahiliani shifted the focus from spectacle to substance. It was an approach that felt contemporary while remaining rooted in the values that have long defined couture: exceptional craftsmanship, meticulous detail, and time.
