Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani

Even as you read this, designer Tarun Tahiliani is basking in the honour of being the only designer selected to show off two designs for the amfAR Gala at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Ultimate Gold Collection Fashion Show features designs from forty world-renowned designers and has been curated by Carine Roitfeld. Tarun will be the first Indian designer to be presenting at this show for the 20th Cinema Against AIDS to benefit amfAR on at the Hotel du Cap in Antibes, tonight.

Both outfits and their matching jewelry will be in gold – in keeping with the theme – and will be auctioned later with the proceeds going towards funding AIDS research.

Tarun Tahiliani's design for amfAR
Tarun Tahiliani’s design for amfAR

Tarun Tahiliani said, “It is an absolute privilege to be part of this exclusive event, evocative of high fashion, definitive of glamour, culture, cinema and philanthropy. We look forward to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and design at the festival amongst fashion stalwarts from different parts of the world.”

Tarun Tahiliani will preview his Couture Exposition in Mumbai
Tarun Tahiliani at his Couture Exposition in Mumbai

Adds the designer, “We go to Cannes with a permanently pleated and draped version of the oldest garment, which is the sari. Of course it is revisited and made contemporary and paired with a tulle body suit sprayed with jeweled art-nouveau florals and clinched by a belt. We love gold; a pale subtle strain of the colour that, in this new avatar, moulds like a metallic Fortuny pleat. Redefined through the years, there is nothing that adds royalty, glamour and fire to a design like gold. Its magic lies in lending timelessness to design that can never go out of style. The experience of translating my vision and working with gold for this project has been unmatched and exhilarating.”

Other designers who will be showcasing their designs at the show include legendary names like Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander Wang, Christian Dior, Pucci, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Marchesa, Michael Kors, Prada, Valentino, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, Comme des Garcons, and Kenneth Cole.