THE CONTROVERSY WRT DRESS WORN BY INDIAN ATHLETES IN PARIS OLYMPICS
The social media blitz over the uniform of the Indian contingent at the Olympics — with reactions ranging from its “tacky” and underwhelming look to an “injustice” to Indian weaving traditions and motifs — focuses on the need for putting more thought and time into making sporting attire an extension of brand India.
WHO DECIDES ON THE UNIFORM?
This works as a partnership between the Indian Olympic Committee (IOC) and the
designer/design house, who is contracted after a fair bid.
The selection process factors in both the financial and creative aspects of the agency.
WHICH DESIGNER/DESIGN AGENCY WAS CHOSEN THIS TIME?
This is the first time that the uniform for Team India was entrusted to a designer — Tarun Tahiliani via Tasva, the premium affordable menswear label launched by him and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited.
Many couture brands feature in the Paris Olympic 2024 list of uniform-makers, including Ralph Lauren for the United States, Berluti for France and Emporio Armani for Italy.
WHAT ARE THE CONSIDERATIONS IN THE OUTFIT?
According to Tahiliani, A designer has to follow a set of guidelines put out by the Indian Olympic Committee (IOC).
The team has to factor in the colours of the tricolour as most countries follow their flag because that’s all that is visible from afar.
The current design was chosen by a vetting committee from multiple sketches and multiple options.
WHY IT IS BEING CRITICISED?
- Lack of elegance: Many felt the designs didn’t match the grandeur of the Olympic stage and didn’t adequately represent India’s rich cultural heritage.
- Fabric and quality: The choice of fabric and overall quality of the outfits was criticized as subpar. The designer used cotton instead of silk, did not use weaves or embroideries and chose digital ikat prints instead, which some interpreted as an insult to our handloom and handcrafting traditions.
- Fit issues: Some athletes complained about the fit of the outfits, particularly for women.
- Branding concerns: The inclusion of a brand logo on the outfits was seen as inappropriate for such a prestigious event.
- Comparison with other countries: Smaller nations like Mongolia and Sri Lanka have created more thoughtful and representative designs that many feel reflect their handcrafted traditions and culture better.
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