In anticipation of the upcoming Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai, we look at the work of Rahul Mishra, the Indian-born designer who is on a mission for world dominance.
By Aishwarya Tyagi
Rahul Mishra’s clever amalgamation of Indian handicrafts and contemporary design elements has been the talk of the fashion circuit since the New Delhi-based designer won the 2014 International Woolmark Prize, where his use of dyed silks for the traditional Bandhani technique, turned his judges including Alexa Chung and Gucci’s former creatibe head Frida Giannini into believers. Not only was he the first Indian designer to win the accolade, but has also saved himself a warm seat in Paris Fashion Week, returning for the fourth time this year.
Known for his intricate embroideries with the motifs of Girih porcelain on Merino wool, many of his design creations stem from Mishra’s passion for sustainability, working with wool – a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre. Not only does he bring his design sketches to life, but rather his entire design philosophy.
His most recent collection titled ‘It Felt Love’ was an ode to Paris that integrated his brand philosophy of handmade and sustainable fashion. The dark palette and contemporary silhouettes reflect on his Indian roots and the influence of traditional crafting techniques. He also uses porcelain designs in addition to the tie-dye signifying a confluence of cultures. The collection seamlessly mixes Merino wool with bandhini on silk and blends the beauty of centuries old draping methods from India.
