Kohler India’s inaugural display at Lakmé Fashion Week, in partnership with FDCI at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, was a vibrant celebration of colors and creativity. This event marked the fusion of Kohler, a pioneer in kitchen and bath products since 1873, headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, USA, with the exceptional design prowess of Tarun Tahiliani. This collaboration seamlessly intertwined two distinct worlds, paying homage to their unique qualities.

Kohler: A Legacy of Excellence

Founded over a century ago, Kohler stands as one of the oldest and most prominent privately held American companies. Known globally for its innovative Kitchen and Bath products, Kohler made its debut in India in 2006. The brand’s rich heritage and commitment to quality have consistently set it apart.

Fashion Meets Innovation

Tarun Tahiliani’s “Luxe Prêt 2023” collection drew inspiration from Kohler’s vibrant palette of colors and finishes. It also featured patterns from Kohler’s Artist Editions Aranya, an artistic creation by Pushpa Kumari, paying tribute to Madhubani art forms and the natural world’s beauty and simplicity.

A Celebration of Self-Expression

The overarching theme of the event was “A Celebration of Self-Expression.” This theme resonated throughout the collection, a seamless blend of classic artisanal crafts and contemporary styles. The outfits effortlessly transitioned from dusk to dawn, making them perfect choices for cocktail nights and red carpet events. Various intricate prints, including Madhubani-style flora and bold geometric art deco prints, showcased the harmony between tradition and modernity.

Intricate Artistry

Tarun Tahiliani explored intricate prints, featuring motifs like paisley and Kaleen capsules alongside an array of geometric designs. The Gara embroidery, inspired by Persian patterns, drew from nature and mythology. These designs were meticulously hand-painted and embroidered on luxurious fabrics, epitomizing opulence. The sequined collection added classic refinements that would undoubtedly captivate stylish dressers worldwide.

A Splash of Metallic Glamour

The collection embraced metallics with flair, introducing iridescent rose gold, faded metallics, peacock teals, royal indigo, matte greys, and blacks. These hues found inspiration in Kohler’s vibrant color palette and exquisite finishes, adding a marked glamour quotient to the collection.

A Milestone Collaboration

The partnership with Lakmé Fashion Week in collaboration with FDCI marked a significant milestone in Kohler’s 150th-anniversary celebrations. It serves as a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to aesthetic excellence. Tarun Tahiliani’s “Luxe Prêt 2023” collection, in association with Kohler India, opened a new chapter in the world of fashion and style, uniting two iconic brands.

Designer Tarun Tahiliani’s Vision

Commenting on the collaboration with Kohler, Tarun Tahiliani expressed his delight, saying, “It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with design-based companies, and in this case, we are collaborating with Kohler. I am inspired by their aerodynamic forms, their beautiful use of metallics, their striking peacock Indian colors and teals that have been brought into the collection as a homage to the Indian palette and the artistry of Pushpa Kumari. Collaborations stimulate the mind and neurons in new ways, and we have taken all our brand pillars further, under the inspirational dust of what Kohler does with their designs.”

Vishal Chadha’s Perspective

Mr. Vishal Chadha, Managing Director, India & South Asia, Kohler Co., shared his thoughts on the collaboration: “As we proudly celebrate 150 years of Kohler and, as the world leader in design and innovation in the kitchen and bath space, we extend a warm welcome to all creators, artisans, and visionaries to join us in our journey of fostering the spirit of gracious living. Our debut at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI is an extension of our commitment towards art, design, and creativity. Through this collaboration with designer Tarun Tahiliani, we hope to have inspired our consumers to transcend the realm of fashion and experience our shared aspiration of craftsmanship, culture, art, and colors.”

In conclusion, Kohler India’s debut show at Lakmé Fashion Week was a testament to the convergence of artistic vision and innovation, bridging the gap between two distinctive worlds. This collaboration between Kohler and Tarun Tahiliani has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and design, promising a future where craftsmanship, culture, art, and colours continue to reign supreme.