Rahul Mishra - An epitome of design innovation

Back from the Paris Haute Couture Week, Rahul Mishra looked poised and collected despite his collections being wanted across the globe. And why not, his signature design technique has been coveted globally in the fashion design industry and has opened with behemoths like Dior and Schiaparelli. 

He is one of the most prominent design innovators of our times from India. A man who approaches couture like an artist first and then a designer.

Back from the Paris Haute Couture Week, Rahul Mishra looked poised and collected despite his collections being wanted across the globe. And why not, his signature design technique has been coveted globally in the fashion design industry and has opened with behemoths like Dior and Schiaparelli.

For someone who hails from a town on the outskirts of Kanpur, Rahul Mishra has come a long way in making a mark on the global haute couture stage. Every outfit always looks like a work of art and takes over a month to prepare after hiring artisans from the remotest parts of India. His craftsmanship is what makes him stand out.

‘The Tree of Life’ showcased at the FDCI India Couture 2022 week was grand. The three dimensional embroidery and the painstaking work that went behind every piece was an ode to India’s artisanal heritage. Some of his handpicked pieces from the Paris show made way here in India. Seeing them up close and personal gave one a perspective of the layering, technique, hard work and detailing that went into every aspect of the piece.

Even the colour palettes were a manifestation of his artistic ability. The pastels and poppies screamed vibrancy and seemed to come from a very happy place of inspiration.

Recreating that moment into couture has earned him praise the world over.

The 3D hand embroidered gold foliage cape with hundreds of foliage leaves woven into it with the ‘Tree of Life’ leggings is one of his stand-out couture lines thus far. All hand embroidered by Indian artisans and circling back to the memories he carries from his village not too far from Kanpur. The showcase also featured the golden Medinilla halter gown, which was showcased in Paris too. It was interesting to see it up close with the sequin work, the intricate embroidered thread work and how the petals came to light with a golden sparkle. The construction of the entire piece could be witnessed firsthand and very sustainable while at it given the chander silk used to create the piece.