Fashion is in love with art like never before. Blurring the lines between art and style, the TARUN TAHILIANI Autumn Winter Collection 2016, the opening show at Lakmé  Fashion Week, does away with the distinction, revealing clothes that transform into a breathtaking aria of drama and sensuality. Inspired by noted sculptor Mrinalini Mukherjee’s life size hemp and cast bronze sculptures to which the artist has breathed into them a striking semblance to organic motifs - every fold and contour having a restrained elegance, yet appearing robust - opening a new avenue through her choices and imparting each work with a layered personality. Hoerver, the major highlight of the show was none other than Bollywood's Queen Kangana Ranaut walking the ramp as showstopper.

Speaking on the inspiration for the collection, Tarun Tahiliani said, “I walked into the NGMA last year, and was blown away by the power of a vision, the technical prowess and singularity of purpose that I felt as I wandered around the gallery, seeping in Mrinalini Mukherjee’s incredible tour de force. The shapes, the drapes, the folds, the unexpected contours and textures immediately began to take shape in my head as a collection. Certainly as a point of departure, a tribute and a mark of respect, cast in simple elegant layered clothes for use in everyday life.”

“It is a pleasure to be associated with the new venture of the next generation, spearheaded by Isha Ambani, and her LYF project. Live your life should be the dream of every human, as did the wonderful sculptor Mrinalini Mukherjee to whom this show is dedicated” says Tarun on his association with LYF.

The atelier plays with a colour palette in earthy tones which include re-imagined renditions of ravishing red, cobalt blue, charcoal, olive and rust that celebrates the onset of fall with colours from her palette. The ready-to-wear line is homage to construction, draping and fit. Taking inspiration from Mrinalini Mukherjee’s sculptures of deities of fertility, the collection combines jerseys and textures in chanderi, fringing and crochet using thick chenille yarns coupled with graphic textures and shading to create a 3D feel to flat digital printing. Textured handloom fabrics are combined with contemporary silhouettes with cascades and cowl drapes on gilets, capes, concept sarees and dresses to reflect the sculptor’s ideology in a tactile and fashionable form.

The bold and colourful stripes and checks remind you of the rich visual intensity of Asian textile tradition even as the studio incorporates a gamut of textiles – woven, printed and bold lines to reflect her characteristic work in a textured and layered look imbibing Mukherjee’s design philosophy to create a collection closely connected to its roots but with a global appeal that lends itself to kurtas, kaftans, tunics and shift dresses. Enhanced by aari, resham, and brush embroidery and embellished with resham threads, and antique gold sequins, the collection presents a natural feel to fabrics such as soft net, Italian tulle, crepe  georgette, micro pleated tulle, chanderi and heavy crepe georgette.

Fashion is modesty. Fashion is a protection. Fashion can be power or hierarchical. Fashion can be an art too. Fashion is a personality, and people define their fashion in complex individual ways. It’s theirs to define and the onlooker to take what they want away. Treat it as art it makes it more rewarding. The collection embodies the young, hip and happening Indian who although rooted in the past is a global citizen and has an individual sense of style and attitude – truly India Modern – All that we were and more.

To heighten the mood of this mesmerizing event Tahiliani collaborates with Isheeta Ganguly, acclaimed Indian-American fusion singer, "Three Women" playwright and screenwriter. Ganguly brings alive the inspiration behind this collection with her stellar voice performing to “Bande Mataram" and jamming live with the rhythms of Rajasthani folk.

Kangana Ranaut, Actress said, “LYF is a technology forward brand and my association with them actually began earlier this year and this association with Lakmé Fashion Week and Tarun just strengthens it further. What I love about the brand is the attitude it carries and paves the way, enabling me to live my life my way. I think the Earth 2 also really reflects my style. With my LYF Earth 2 smartphone I can now seamlessly enjoy hours of high speed 4G data. Movies, music, live TV, it’s all in here.”

Jaspreet Chandok, Vice President & Head, IMG Reliance said, “What better way to start my first season at Lakmé Fashion Week than with a truly fantastic show presented by Tarun Tahiliani. This season is going to set new trends in fashion and the right tone has been set for the rest of the event with this amazing opening. ”

Sunil Dutt, President Reliance Retail and LYF Smart Devices said, “Brand LYF is all about living your life the way you want, expressing yourself freely and creatively through technology. We see in Lakmé Fashion Week the same ethos of passion, creativity, and expression, and are proud of continuing our association with it. LYF is excited to present Tarun Tahiliani’s opening show; a beautiful amalgamation of India's rich heritage and excellent craftsmanship which is a reflection of a rooted modern India. A true impression of our idea of MyLyfMyWay.”