Breaking norms is a part of his style and that’s the reason chef entrepreneur Tarun Sibal believes in ditching chef coat and kitchen uniform and prefers to be dressed in his casual best and club in his statement aprons made with leather or denim which are high in utility and style. In a quick conversation with TMM, Tarun talks about his style ingredients and how he processes every styling idea, whether it’s related to his wardrobe or kitchen.
Chefs are often seen in an apron with chef cap and gloves, but your Instagram profile is quite vibrant with varied shades of style. What fashion and style mean to you?
Fashion and style to me as a chef means the same as it would mean to a designer, to an architect, or to a sportsperson. It’s my distinctiveness, my personal statement, and it’s who I am, be it in the kitchen or outside of it. Having said that, being a chef and a restaurateur adds to my imagery and flair. I’m not very fond of uniforms, as the sheer purpose of it is to make individuals look alike, and why would you want that.
You have a wide array of glares and shoes. When did you realise this obsession and what persuades you to shop for a new style every time?
I have been wearing glasses since the 7th grade, and from very early on it became a thing for me. I remember I would have 3 pairs, one for an average school day and the other two for special occasions. It became an integral part of me, so much so that I would not like myself without glasses and that’s where the collection drive started. It’s a joke amongst friends that I can buy a sports car if Isell all my glasses.
Focus on shoes, especially sneakers has been a recent addition to my style bag, and I am exploring it as we speak. It lets me stay casual yet gourmet.
What is the most recent style indulgence that you shopped and why?
(Laughs) Picked up 2 pairs of glasses- a Tom Ford and a DITA, I was just treating myself!
Your leather apron is quite a thing. Tell us about it and what is your personal style when you are in the kitchen?
I move in and out of the kitchen, so wearing something that’s comfortable, effective, and pleases the eye is very important. My aprons are a classic example of how utility meets style. Other than the leather one, I have one in denim and one which is a combination of fabric with leather straps.
If you had been an outfit, what would it be and why?
A funky double-breast suit teamed up with a tie and a pocket square. Classic yet nouveau, and ready to pick up an Academy Awards. (smiles)
If given a chance to walk the ramp for a leading designer, who it would be, and why?
Shantanu & Nikhil, any day. And I have nothing that tells me why not? The sensibility that they bring out with each of their lines is brilliant. Their style is bold, crisp, and has a bit of spunk matched with discipline. It will indeed be a pleasure to walk for them.
Your food styling is as creative as your personal style. What inspires you to create new flavors and how do you bring the imagination to the table. Share some thoughts on processing the ideas.
As a chef, I tell stories with my plates, and every now and again you want something new to tell, something exciting, something that wows your audience, so on and so forth. The inspiration is my guests, for them to keep coming back for more, be it by being consistent with what they like or by giving them new dishes to feed on. I get inspired by many things, from ingredients to seasons, to something that I saw happening on the streets or from what my mom cooked.
In one of my assignments, the mandate was to get inspired by 11 art installations and create food that matched the mood board of each of these installations, and feed 500 people while keeping the mood board alive. I think that was quite interesting for me to attempt!
RAPID FIRE
Favourite fashion brand: Tom Ford
Favourite footwear brand: Adidas
Favourite sunglasses: Cutler and Gross
Favourite perfume: Eau Fraiche Versace, Burberry Weekend
Favourite holiday destination for food: Thailand
Favourite destination for shopping: Paris
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