Rahul Mishra, the renowned fashion designer based in Delhi, India, experienced a six-year journey before successfully selling his first bridal lehenga in 2017. Today, the demand for his creations is so high that there is a nearly five-month waiting period for purchase.
In April, Mishra garnered attention for dressing celebrities like Zendaya in a stunning blue sari at the opening of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center in Mumbai. His work has also been worn by Gigi Hadid, Viola Davis, and Priyanka Chopra. Additionally, Mishra made history as the first Indian designer to showcase his creations at Paris Haute Couture Week in 2020, and he has made a return every year since. His next show is scheduled for July 3.
While the glamorous side of his business continues to thrive, Mishra emphasizes the importance of his booming retail sector, especially for weddings. Weddings hold significant cultural importance in India, often spanning multiple days and requiring various outfits for the bride, family members, and guests. Mishra acknowledges that weddings are like red carpet events for ordinary people, and they contribute significantly to his business.
Mishra had initially encountered challenges with his unconventional approach to wedding wear fashion. His emphasis on ivory, blue, pink, and even black for brides, instead of the traditional red, did not resonate well with customers, resulting in discontinuation of the line. However, Mishra’s latest foray into the wedding wear industry, starting in 2017, has proven to be a success. While he remains ambivalent about red, he draws inspiration from ancient Indian designs that featured the use of unbleached calico textile, creating an off-white, ecru feel. Brides who desire Rahul Mishra lehengas appreciate the intricate embroidery and innovative artisanal designs.
Notably, the sales of wedding attire have seen a significant boost since the Covid-19 pandemic, serving as a means to sustain the employment of the 1,200 embroiderers Mishra collaborates with from rural Indian communities. While couture may be extravagant and less commercially viable, the power of weddings lies in their ability to generate employment opportunities.
Mishra’s path to success is rooted in his humble upbringing in Malhausi, a small village in Uttar Pradesh, India, where he faced limited access to electricity. Although he initially aspired to be an artist, Mishra stumbled upon design when his application to study cinematography at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad was rejected. He reluctantly enrolled in the apparel design program, which turned out to be a fortunate turn of events. His talent was recognized when a coordinator from his school submitted his sketches to the GenNext talent discovery program for Lakme Fashion Week in 2006. Since then, Mishra has received several prestigious awards, including the International Woolmark Prize in 2014. Throughout his career, Mishra’s focus has been on employing individuals from rural India, allowing them to provide for their families.
Mishra’s commitment to changing the world through fashion emerged from a state of confusion. He discovered the power of fashion when he slowed down the creative process, emphasizing a more ethical approach to production. The utilization of handmade techniques and the dedication of thousands of hours to produce each piece epitomize Mishra’s ethos of “mindful luxury.” His upcoming show at Paris Haute Couture Week, titled “We, the People,” revolves around highlighting the embroiderers involved in crafting his pieces. Mishra goes the extra mile by incorporating figurines of artisans into the clothes, showcasing their important contributions.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, Mishra still considers himself a student in the fashion industry. His primary goal as a creative director is to inspire the 250 individuals who work alongside him. The studio he cultivates is a space of collaboration and happiness, resulting in exceptional designs, increased orders, and the creation of more job opportunities. Mishra’s passion for his work is evident through his emotional connection to his craft.
Overall, Rahul Mishra’s journey from a small village to international acclaim demonstrates his unwavering commitment to fashion, his artistry, and his dedication to uplifting and empowering those around him.
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