Rahul Mishra limbers up for Paris Haute Couture Week

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Jul 1, 2019

Rahul Mishra is set to make his Paris couture debut. Concurrently with the French capital's Haute Couture Week, the Indian designer will unveil around 15 looks at the Garage Lübeck on Tuesday, as well as an exhibition spotlighting his savoir-faire, all of which will serve as something of a trial run as the brand seeks to claim a slot on the official calendar in the coming seasons. 

It's an objective which looks to be well within reach of the designer, who has more than proved his talent with the sophisticated construction of his pieces. Combining high-quality fabrics, precise cuts and impeccable finishes, his fashion stands out above all for the richness of its patterns, which are embroidered using traditional Indian techniques but manage to avoid any suggestion of folkloric kitsch. 

"Presenting his work during Haute Couture Week will allow him to fully display all his skill, as well as his unique, poetic designs. He hopes to be part of the Haute Couture Week calendar in a few seasons' time, while also continuing to show his collections during the Fashion Weeks dedicated to ready-to-wear," explained a brand spokesperson to FashionNetwork.com. 

Indeed, the brand's ethical fashion has had elements of couture since its foundation. Mishra has always created unique, elaborate pieces, including wedding dresses and special orders for a network of both Indian and international customers. As well as Paris, the designer shows his collections at New Delhi Fashion Week every season. 

He can also count on the support of France's Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, which first allowed him to participate in Paris' ready-to-wear Fashion Week in September 2014, the same year that he won the Woolmark Prize. 
 

Mishra launched his namesake label in 2008 and has never strayed from his sustainable approach. He produces all of his pieces in India, including in remote villages, providing work for a number of seamstresses, embroiderers and other artisans throughout the country. 
 
The label has developed a solid distribution network, particularly in its native India – the brand's principal market – where it has opened two flagship stores, in Bombay and New Delhi, and is also distributed by 14 retail partners. Mishra's pieces are also available in the US, Singapore, Lebanon, Dubai, China, Canada and Denmark through eight multibrand retailers, and internationally via four e-commerce retailers, including Moda Operandi.