The premier bi-annual fashion event, Paris Couture Week, Fall-Winter 2024, started on the 24th of June and had Rahul Mishra showcasing his collection on the opening day. Like the past few seasons, India’s two top couturiers, Gaurav Gupta and Rahul Mishra, were invited to showcase at the prestigious Paris Couture Week. Gaurav Gupta, however, would be doing a digital showcase this time as the couturier had a fire accident at his atelier. This season, Paris Couture Week has been scheduled earlier, just after the men’s fashion week, as Paris will be busy hosting the Olympics in July.
Rahul Mishra Couture, Paris Couture Week Fall 2024
Photo Courtesy: Rahul Mishra
Rahul Mishra titled his collection ‘Aura’ and stated that the collection is inspired by the celestial energies that surround us. In the past few seasons, Mishra drew inspiration from the flora and fauna of the Himalayan foothills, and in the last season, he drew inspiration from the entomology world — dragon flies and butterflies were the motifs that fluttered across the collection. The Autumn/Winter 2024 couture collection has a spiritual take on the universe and its creator, the Brahma. There is a literal interpretation of Lord Brahma and his four heads on some creations that strutted down the ramp. Heads were sculpted onto the sleeves and the headgear.
Photo Courtesy: Rahul Mishra
The colour palette was predominantly black and grey, gradually blending into ivory. The hues were treated in a gradient manner, diffusing from black at the core to the lighter shades of white. The couture transcended beyond the realm of reality. To create silhouettes and showcase the celestial energy surrounding our beings, Rahul created shapes that were away from the body. He used metal grids to create shapes depicting the aura and the halo that surround human beings. Sleeves were adorned as heads, just like those of Lord Brahma. Rhinestone, sequins, and glass beads were used for intricate embellishment.
Rahul Mishra Couture, Paris Couture Week 2024
Photo Courtesy: Rahul Mishra
A proponent of slow fashion with dedication to intricate handwork and craftsmanship, Rahul Mishra showcased immaculately tailored bejewelled pants, bodysuits, apron dresses with concentric patterns in gradient hues, corset tops, body-con dresses, and 3-D embroidered skirts and gowns. Models wore long capes and were accessorised with African-style Kufi caps.
Rahul Mishra Couture, Paris Couture Week 2024
Photo Courtesy: Rahul Mishra
A new technique was visible in the Fall 2024 couture collection of Rahul Mishra, and that was trimmed ruffle work and bristle-like finishes on ensembles that created a voluminous and 3-D effect. Power shoulders and puffed sleeves are something we have seen earlier too. The show had an aura of finesse and intricate handwork, which is a signature Rahul Mishra style.
Text By: Jaydeep Ghosh
Image Courtesy: Rahul Mishra
Find out more about Rahul Mishra: https://rahulmishra.in/
