Runway

Rahul Mishra’s ‘We The People’ Fall Winter 2023 Couture Collection Epitomizes Artistry and Craftsmanship

July 6, 2023

Rahul Mishra presents the Fall Winter 2023 'We, The People' show. The Couture collection emerges as a testament to the enablers of couture—the artisans. It goes beyond the realm of creation, transforming them into the very essence where artistic expression converges with age-old craft and technical prowess. Their godlike ability turns imagination into reality, weaving a harmonious fusion that mesmerizes the senses.

Rahul Mishra fashion show, Couture Fall Winter 2023, Paris Fashion Week. Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti

In light of India's designation as the world's most populous country, 'We, The People' contemplates the significance of 'people' in the context of the brand's ever-growing community. It celebrates every life touched by Rahul Mishra's Couture, recognizing the strength it bestows upon the system. The atelier becomes a sanctuary where lives intertwine, breathing life into the garments they meticulously create.

Couture Creations

Rahul Mishra's 'We, The People' Couture Collection features a bold color palette for comprised of rich jewel tones, earthy neutrals, and ethereal pastels. The silhouettes range from flowing gowns adorned with intricate embroidery to structured ensembles that exude sophistication. Inspired by diverse cultural elements, the collection showcases motifs and patterns that pay homage to nature, architecture, and traditional craftsmanship. Delicate handwork techniques such as aari embroidery, intricate threadwork, and three-dimensional appliqués adorn the garments, adding depth and texture to each piece. The juxtaposition of opulent fabrics like silk, velvet, and organza with unexpected materials like recycled textiles and upcycled elements demonstrates Mishra's commitment to sustainable and conscious fashion.

Celebrating a Dynamic Partnership: Rahul Mishra x Tanishq

This collection also marks a significant partnership with the renowned jewelry brand, Tanishq. Mishra acknowledges the colossal cultural impact of Tanishq as one of India's largest brands in jewelry. This collaboration between Rahul Mishra and Tanishq signifies a merging of artistic visions. Tanishq's General Manager - Marketing, Ms. Ranjani Krishnaswamy, explains that their collection, 'Tales of Mystique,' shares a common ethos with Rahul Mishra's 'We, The People,' combining intricate craftsmanship and contemporary silhouettes. This collaboration between Rahul Mishra and Tanishq promises exquisite couture and stunning jewelry, creating a mesmerizing fashion experience.

Rahul Mishra, Couture Fall Winter 2023
Rahul Mishra, Couture Fall Winter 2023, Backstage. Photo by Tonya Matyu.

The Artisan's Trance: The Work of Wonderment

The surfaces of 'We, The People' embody the trance-like state of the fashion worker, interweaving their immediate reality into every stitch. The embroiderer, nestled within a concrete cube on a cushioned mat, intricately loops, knots, and pulls silk thread through plain fabric, guided by a sharp needle hook called the aari. Hours, days, and months are spent on a single piece, as each stitch brings the couture garment to life. One wonders if their unwavering focus transports their minds to an imaginative universe where vivid embroidery artworks come alive.

Rahul Mishra, Couture Fall Winter 2023, Backstage. Photo by Tonya Matyu.
Rahul Mishra, Couture Fall Winter 2023, Backstage. Photo by Tonya Matyu.

Imagination Encircles the World

Albert Einstein once said, "Imagination encircles the world," and 'We, The People' embodies this sentiment. It delves into the embroiderer's mind, questioning if they envision the embroidery frame transforming into a lotus pond or finding themselves amidst the Sundarbans, caressing a majestic tiger. The collection blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy, inviting us to explore the boundless realm of human creativity.

Rahul Mishra, Couture Fall Winter 2023, Backstage. Photo by Tonya Matyu.
Rahul Mishra fashion show, Couture Fall Winter 2023, Paris Fashion Week. Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti

A Labor of Love: Made in India for the World

'We, The People' proudly showcases the slow, meticulous handwork of the atelier, crafting each piece with an average of three thousand hours, depending on the silhouette. This season's looks exude glamour and celebration, drawing inspiration from the creative excellence of Master Erté. The intention remains to create conscious creations that transcend art and fashion, embodying the essence of innovative design.

Rahul Mishra, Couture Fall Winter 2023, Backstage. Photo by Tonya Matyu.
Rahul Mishra, Couture Fall Winter 2023, Backstage. Photo by Tonya Matyu.

A Collective Dream: From Inspiration to Creation

Rooted in the firsthand experiences of the creative director, the collection is a collective dream brought to life by a team of designers, embroiderers, tailors, and countless others. The atelier functions as a complex organism, each organ working tirelessly toward a common goal. Their unwavering commitment to cultural conservation drives Maison's founding vision, creating a symbiotic relationship between heritage and innovation.

Rahul Mishra fashion show, Couture Fall Winter 2023, Paris Fashion Week. Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti
Rahul Mishra fashion show, Couture Fall Winter 2023, Paris Fashion Week. Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti

Empowering Artisans

Rahul Mishra's Couture also seeks to reverse the migration of embroidery artisans, returning them to their local Indian villages from densely populated factory setups in large cities. It is a testament to the brand's commitment to empowering and including its people, where their invaluable contributions shape the couture house's design process and identity.

Rahul Mishra, Couture Fall Winter 2023, Backstage. Photo by Tonya Matyu.

Rahul Mishra's 'We, The People' Couture Collection reminds us of couture's timeless allure and enduring power. It beckons us to embrace artistry, cherish the stories woven into every fabric, and celebrate the exceptional talents of the artisans who make it all possible. rahulmishra.in

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Rahul Mishra Haute Couture Fall Winter 2023