The seventh day of FDCI India Couture Week 2024 showcased a stark contrast between high fashion and organizational chaos. While Tarun Tahiliani’s highly anticipated ‘Otherworldly’ collection was a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, the event itself faced significant logistical issues. Limited seating capacity led to a disgruntled crowd outside the venue, prompting Tahiliani to take the unprecedented step of repeating his show, making him the first designer to do so.

According to reports on social media, many renowned personalities from the fashion and entertainment industry, totaling around 300 people, were left outside the show venue at The Ashok, Delhi, as there were not enough seats for everyone.

In a video circulating online, Tahiliani is seen personally apologizing to the crowd, saying, “I apologize for what I hear a lot of you went through. These things are never planned, we never know, we try to be very careful. But anyway, the good news is everyone has a front row and we are repeating the show.”

Model Ujjwal Dhir, who walked the show, revealed that the models were paid an extra 50% of their original payments for walking the show a second time.

The last few weeks have been controversial for Tahiliani, first with criticisms over India’s Olympic outfits and now this. However, the beauty of his recent collection remains undisputed.

Tahiliani’s ‘Otherworldly’ collection showcased his design prowess, blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Inspired by the concept of a cocoon, the collection aimed to evoke a sense of comfort, safety, and self-confidence.

“Imagine being enveloped in a cocoon—feeling safe, cared for, and in complete harmony with your body and transcending into a new phase of self-confidence and awareness. To me, that is the world I aspire to create through our couture. ‘Otherworldly’ is a journey into a realm where comfort and ethereal beauty coexist seamlessly,” Tahiliani said in a press release.

Intricate embroideries such as Kashidakar, Mukaish, and Chikankari were reimagined with modern techniques, resulting in garments that were both opulent and wearable. The use of monochromatic Pichwai, carpets, and blooms as design motifs added a unique and innovative touch to the collection.