High Point

This is a “proper” couture destination,in the European sense of the word. No aspect of specialty custom-making is spared here. A small army of display mannequins welcome you wearing Tahiliani’s newest show pieces; this is his look-book. A client can walk in and choose his or her colours,the finest fabrics,and exquisite embroidery and beading patterns. Measurements are taken as thoroughly as is possible. Like a traditional couture or bespoke studio,a toile is then created. A toile is a “test garment” made in linen especially required for perfect tailoring. The three fitting rooms here are each the size of drawing rooms,with lighting options for daylight and soirees.

There’s a variety of wedding lehengas,with each one more splendorous than the other,in favourite reds and bordeaux,but also duck-egg greys. There are also gowns in shades of gold and beige,as many modernists are choosing. The prices start at Rs 3 lakh,“but can go up to as much as you want to take them”,the designer says with a smile.

“People who come to us are not always brides and their families,often they are just looking for a very special and stylised look,” says Tahiliani. The day before the opening,Tahiliani says a 40-year-old lady,walked in and shopped up a floor-sweeping embroidered gown with a mermaid tail,and a multi-layered lehenga with pearl embroideries to wear for someone else’s wedding.

Tahiliani will open a Mumbai studio this week above his store at Villar Ville,Apollo Bunder.

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