Redefining the concept of luxury, couturier Tarun Tahiliani says that today, a bit of quiet, far from the madding crowd, is the only indulgence he seeks. For a man’s whose signature works include lehengas that look like spun gold and kanjeevarams with threadwork and crystals, luxury has become the opposite — the paring away of embellishment and focussing on the core of what makes him happy. In this case, it’s treasured alone-time.
While his skill as an antique collector is reputable, Tahiliani says he’s satiated with shopping. “Today, I don’t go looking for antiques. I look for isolation to recharge,” he explains.
This approach shows in his new abode, a 7,000 square foot space in Delhi. “My house reflects my belief that luxury, at least in my life, involves great amounts of solitude, because it is fairly large and spread out and very much built around the natural topography. It has certain rooms where I work, which have glass, banyan trees around and where I can be alone, listen to music and spend hours reflecting or doing whatever I want to do,” he elaborates.
While doing up his new residence, the designer says he went back to basics. “What is traditionally luxurious? I think it’s about space, privacy and high ceilings. So, instead of Italian marble and all these fancy things, I wanted local Indian stone, but done in a very detailed way. Like taking simple mulmul fabric and doing lots of pintucking to make it special. I used the same approach with the house,” he explains.
The flooring is done in Shahbad stone with mother of pearl inlays in the border, in very simple and geometric patterns. “The basic material isn’t expensive, but what you do with it is so detailed and beautiful — that’s the essence Indian design for me,” he adds.
And when he steps out, being one with nature, away from the cacophony that comes with crowded cities, is another of his little luxuries. Once or twice a week, he says, he gets away to Lodhi Garden, to walk around Humayun’s Tomb and nurseries, and The Deer Park next to Hauz Khas Village, his favourite escapes. He often takes along a book, since reading and sketching are his choice of solitary pursuits. While his tastes range from the Vedanta treaties to Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, which he found brilliant, his daily routine involves reading the The New York Times without fail. “I think the writing is superb, the columnists are fearless and I think it is a wonderfully balanced and unbiased view of the world. I am not afraid that I am reading paid-for advertorials,” he quips.
But this doesn’t mean he’s given up on his legendary hosting skills. “There was a time when I used to have giant parties with different DJs in different rooms, and they were like mad clubs, but I am way past that. That was a different time and space, I don’t relate to that any longer,” says Tahiliani, adding that he now prefers smaller, more intimate dos with one or two guests.
Tarun Tahiliani will be showcasing his Autumn/Winter 2017/18 collection at Kingsley, No. 60 Spurtank Road, in Chennai on November 11. 09677074108