Tarun Tahiliani’s OTT Redefines Luxury Prêt For The Modern Indian Woman

In recent years, India’s top couturiers have been steadily expanding into prêt wear. The move signals a broader shift in fashion: one that acknowledges the changing lifestyles of Indian consumers who want luxury that isn’t reserved only for occasions. India’s eminent designers who built their reputations on opulent craftsmanship, are now exploring the realm of everyday wear

“India has such a rich heritage of craft, and for too long, it’s been reserved for either bridalwear or couture. But why shouldn’t luxury be lived in?” celebrated designer Tarun Tahiliani aptly puts it. These prêt collections maintain the essence of couture—meticulous detailing, impeccable structure, and signature aesthetics—but repackage them into silhouettes that are wearable, versatile, and adaptable to modern wardrobes.

And Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI has been the platform where Indian fashion’s evolution has played out in real time—marking 25 years of this journey. Launched last year, this marks Tahiliani’s second showcase of his luxury prêt line, OTT. Known for his iconic India Modern narrative, Tahiliani has been crafting maximalist couture fantasies–blending intricate techniques and textiles–for nearly three decades."Fashion has come a long way," says Tahiliani. “In the early years, the industry was still finding its voice—there was immense talent, but the infrastructure wasn’t quite there. Now, craftsmanship is being reinterpreted beyond just bridalwear. The consumer has changed too—she’s well-traveled, aware, and looking for pieces that balance tradition with ease and versatility.”

Pioneering lehengas in airy fabrics, effortless-yet-elegant concept saris, red carpet-ready gowns, and ornate anarkalis—Tahiliani has always embraced ease in luxury. Now, he sharpens his creative vision, blending contemporary finesse with a deep-rooted respect for history and heritage. “OTT is very much a response to how women live today. They need clothes that move with them, that aren’t just occasion-driven but fit into daily life. It takes the finest Indian techniques—draping, hand embroidery, fabric manipulation—and translate them into pieces that are wearable, effortless, and modern. The idea is to build a wardrobe over time, where each piece complements the next, creating a distinctly India Modern way of dressing,” he shares.

This new collection reimagines hand-embroidered chikankari and Rabari craft, weaving tradition into modern wardrobes with vintage replicas and archive-inspired styles. Dresses, jackets, and gilets exude a sensual, romantic, and bohemian allure. Continuing the Art Series, Tahiliani revisits his 2015 collaboration with the Singh Twins, infusing their multicultural geometric prints into a refreshing summer palette of ecru, blush, sage, and taupe. These patterns come alive on breezy fabrics like linen, Chanderi, georgette, organza, and jersey–merging tradition with modernity.

For Tahiliani, the philosophy is deeply personal, “I’ve always believed that clothes should enhance the person, not overpower them. The modern Indian woman is balancing multiple roles, she’s traveling, she’s working, she’s socialising—she needs a wardrobe that reflects that fluidity. It’s about giving women the building blocks of a wardrobe—pieces that they can layer, mix, and make their own.”

Designed for the multifaceted urban woman, this collection balances ease with intricate detailing, offering versatility without compromising on timelessness. OTT remains trend-agnostic and size-inclusive, celebrating adaptability and fluidity in fashion. Tailored gilets and dhoti pants showcase Tahiliani’s finesse in structure and movement, while Western silhouettes—trench coats, skirts, capes, and dresses—subtly reimagine traditional Indian ensembles. It is both timeless and contemporary.

“There’s also a need for innovation—handloom doesn’t have to mean traditional. We need to experiment with textures, cuts, and treatments so these techniques don’t just survive, but thrive in a global landscape,” he emphasises.

Chikankari’s ethereal lightness and Rabari embroidery’s raw earthiness anchor the collection, yet their reinterpretations feel refreshingly fluid and distinctly modern. “It’s not about nostalgia; it’s about evolution. These techniques don’t just add texture and depth—they ground it in a legacy while keeping it completely contemporary,” Tahiliani keeps it clear. “Chikankari has this incredible lightness, an almost ethereal quality that feels timeless. Rabari craft, on the other hand, has an earthiness, a rawness that brings in a different dimension. What I love is the juxtaposition—both come from strong, rooted traditions, but when reinterpreted in a modern way, they take on a whole new meaning.” If Tarun Tahiliani Couture is about grandeur and opulence, OTT is about movement and versatility.

With pieces that embrace sustainability and seasonless fashion, the collection appeals to those who appreciate luxury while prioritising practicality. Beyond aesthetics, the collection speaks to a larger mission: making Indian artisanal traditions sustainable. “The biggest challenge is ensuring sustainability—not just in terms of materials, but in making sure artisans have steady, long-term work. Craft can’t just survive on revival projects; it needs to be integrated into contemporary fashion in a way that keeps it relevant,” he keeps it clear.

Looking ahead, Tahiliani sees OTT as a constantly evolving entity, a wardrobe that grows alongside the women who wear it, “The idea is to build on the foundation—season after season, adding pieces that can be layered and styled in new ways. We’re also exploring more ways to work with craft, finding new techniques to incorporate into the modern wardrobe. Ultimately, the goal is for OTT to become a living, breathing wardrobe for the contemporary Indian woman—timeless, versatile, and distinctly her own,” he strikes the perfect balance.