Shoddy Work: That’s How Netizens React To Digital Ikat Prints On India Contingent’s Olympic Uniform

Bhubaneswar: The Ikat-inspired designer uniforms for the India contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics have failed to impress many. From the choice of ‘inferior’ quality fabrics to giving preference to digital prints of ‘ikat’ instead of traditional weaves, netizens have been criticizing celebrated fashion designer, Tarun Tahiliani, for some ‘shoddy’ piece of work.

Many have criticized the designer for not exploring the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of India for the ceremonial outfits. What has even bothered the fashion critics is that whether the design choice—an “ikat-inspired” digital print— symbolizes a troubling trend in contemporary fashion where the intricate art of traditional weaving is reduced to a mere pattern on synthetic materials.

Odisha’s Ikat is a testament to India’s artisanal excellence. It is not just a design, but a narrative woven with centuries of tradition and unparalleled skill. But, the designer—as netizens pointed out—failed to uphold the beauty of the traditional weaving and perhaps used unsustainable fabrics like moss cotton and viscose crepe. Moreover, traditional ikat utilizes natural dyes and sustainable practices. But, the digital prints on synthetic fabrics lack the connection to the environment, the critics noted.

Here’s what some critics said:

“Hello Tarun Tahiliani! I have seen better Sarees sold in Mumbai streets for Rs.200 than these ceremonial uniforms you’ve ‘designed’,” wrote columnist Dr Nandita Iyer on X. She called it a combination of digital prints, cheap polyester fabric and the tricolor thrown together without any imagination.

Actor Tara Deshpande wrote: “They look absolutely awful. We have the greatest textile tradition in India. Who passed this design? Who budgeted for this?”

Another user, Yash Desai wrote: “India has the most diverse culture with amazing traditional dress representing each region, yet the #Olympics uniform of #India is the most hedious one. The worst taste in fashion whoever designed it.”