Tahiliani to miss Couture Week

Tarun Tahiliani may not showcase his designs at the Couture Week because he’s preparing

for his annual bridal exposition to be held in July and he has had a difference with the sponsors of the Cotoure Week on sponsorship issues. Tahiliani has been preparing for months for his mega show. In fact, many outstation designers are currently under the threat of being elbowed out of the Couture Week. The major reason is the clash of commitments and the sponsors. Tahiliani, a key participant in the fashion week was very keen on being part of this and the whole intention was to have a common couture event, otherwise his event would have clash with the FDCIs couture week. The clashes began when Tahiliani expected to mention his sponsors in his show. Also, the organizers wanted the FDCI sponsors to be mentioned in the backdrop. After huge discussions they agreed to do one show with no sponsors where they could have thanked everyone involved. But even that didn’t work out. So, Tahiliani decided to go ahead with his bridal exposition.

Responding to the issue FDCI president Sunil Sethi said off-site shows add charm to a fashion event, provided there is no ambush marketing and strategizing involved. The purpose is to get everyone together. It is imperative for us that one common platform of FDCI and the sponsors be used for everyone. As for Tahiliani, this is a show and a trade event as well. If designers want to have their exhibitions during the week, FDCI encourages it because at the end of the day, FDCI’s fashion weeks are all about bringing business to its members. But the encouragement is only if it happens under the aegis of FDCIs couture week.