From Zendaya’s much-talked-about sari moment to internationally acclaimed showcases at international couture weeks, Rahul Mishra has always managed to be at the forefront of ideology-backed artistic expression. His recent outing at the Paris Couture Week is a befitting tribute to Indian artisans through a courageous spotlighting of their exceptional artistry and an active inclusion in the collection’s creation. Here, Mishra reflects on his relationship with Paris, trans seasonality in fashion, and more.
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ELLE: You have showcased at Paris Haute Couture Week for over a decade now. How has your relationship with Paris evolved over the seasons?
Rahul Mishra (RM): Paris has become a second home for us. And while it has always been a source of inspiration and wonderment, it becomes more familiar with every season. Paris is also the place where we meet the world, especially at our shows. We are immensely grateful to our family of collabo rators, contributors, the talent and media.
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ELLE: The latest collection, We, The People, celebrates Indian artisans and brings them to the fore of the couture narrative. Can you elaborate on your vision behind it?
RM: We The People honours the atelier’s intricate and slow craftsmanship. To us these artisans are not just creators; they are the magical intersection where artistic expression meets centuries-old craftsmanship and technical mastery. If you look up close, the em broidery in some dresses concealed tiny representations of the artisans peeking out from diamond motifs, sitting in circles to form the heart of a flower, or the talented ladies who worked on a particular dress appearing as portraits on that very dress.
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ELLE: How has your definition of ambition and success changed over the years?
RM: Since the very beginning, my wife and creative partner Divya and I have been unwavering in our commitment to our core philosophies and primary goals. Our brand adheres to the Gandhian philosophy of circular design, which means creating purposeful clothes while engaging with craft com- munities in India. Our dreams revolve around a world where the environment is a top priority. I share a vision with my eight- year-old daughter, who is incredibly enthusiastic about activities such as gardening.
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ELLE: Where do you seek creative inspiration from?
RM: While nature is an external muse, as a former science student, I’m intrigued by topics such as the cosmos, geometry, and architecture. It helps me keep my creative expression individualistic and closer to the art while maintaining the design aspect.
ELLE: What can we expect from the exquisite World of Rahul Mishra in the coming years?
RM: We’re excited about the upcoming launch of our ready- to-wear label, in partnership with Reliance Brands Limited (RBL). We intend to roll out menswear, womenswear, and accessories as part of the launch. We also aim to expand our retail foot- print in the next few years with multiple large-format stores in India, Europe, the Middle East and the US.
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