Rahul Mishra's Mughal-Inspired ICW '18 Collection Is Sure To Add Elegance To Your Closet
The designer also debuted his menswear couture line on the runway.
Bridging the gap between past and present, celebrated fashion designer and winner of the International Woolmark Prize 2014—Rahul Mishra presented a spectacular collection on the fourth day of FDCI's India Couture Week ’18. A revival of Arabesque ornamentation (think rhythmic patterns and intertwining foliage) that thrived in the Mughal era, the collection fused it with a modern geometric display of angular lines and cuts. The result, of course, was a couture assortment peaking the charts of visual splendour and artistic magnificence.
Mughal architectural influences and the profound beauty of Mughal and Pahari miniature paintings reflected on the grand showcase of chevrons, spandrels, and complicated vegetal motifs on the luxe fabrics used. “The Mughal aesthetic was not the invention of any single artist, nor of any particular group of artists; rather it was a blend of artistic practices of Persia, European influences of passing traders and missionaries, and the rich indigenous traditions of India,” shares Mishra. In soft neutrals and pastel hues of lemon, mint, peach, and salmon, the lacquer-coated palette of Swarovski crystals and delicate hand-embroidery of the vivid threads came alive.
The soothing ensembles made way for the introduction of Mishra’s menswear line in the couture realm. The beautifully hand-embroidered kurtas, bandhgalas, and ornate stoles made with fine textiles fittingly complemented the elegant silhouettes of lehengas, kalidars, saris, boleros, and dusters of womenswear.
The vibrant pop of orangish red lips on the models was balanced out by their neat updo and soft neutral eyes—a combination perfect to highlight the stupendous beauty of the clothing. The stunning understated jewellery pieces by Sunita Shekhawat and the surrounding foliage and leafy canopy by The Wedding Design Company added just the right amount of flavour to the couture extravaganza. This one’s definitely for a bride with refined tastes.