Paris fashion week marks the end of the fashion month. With names such as Valentino, Dior and Louis Vuitton lined up to hit the runways, there were two Indian labels who showcased the best of India. For over a couple of seasons both Manish Arora and Rahul Mishra has presented India in a completely new light. For those who imagined India being all about gaudy patches of colour and heavy embroidery, these two designers set a definitive international tone for the changing Indian aesthetic.
Here is what you need to know about their latest shows.
Rahul Mishra Fall 2019 – Walking down the memory lane
Nostalgia was the focal point for Rahul Mishra at his latest showcase. Weaves done in black and white, contemporary silhouettes, piece devoid of any embellishments and use of exquisite Japanese lace summed up Mishra’s latest line at Paris fashion week. Mishra once again went back to his roots; this time to his small village Malhousie, in Uttar Pradesh. The old dilapidated buildings, covered in weed with unkempt plantation drew him. Also, his old school uniforms with classic chequered patterns and silhouettes such as wide-legged trousers and blazers were reimagined as a part of the collection. When it comes to Mishra, his every piece is nothing less than a work of art, be it embroideries inspired by plants growing through window cracks or simple flora and fauna, there is a certain inexplicable sense of complexity which is packaged in a whimsical form. From asymmetrical dresses, long overcoats, multi-panelled skirts, see-through shirts to jacquards, everything defined Mishra’s understand of design which thrives on reimagining tradition.
Manish Arora Fall 2019- India reimagined
More than a designer, Manish Arora is a modern showman. With every embellishment exuding his love for drama, Arora’s Fall’19 show looked back at the festival style of dressing, with Burning Man in focus. From floral leggings to flapper style dresses, embellished police hats, multihued fur shrugs to even body jewellery, Arora keeps his reference points varied and pulsating. There were hints of Japanese Harajuku, Indian gypsies and Native American insignias that pulled the show together. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Arora has mastered the art of giving traditional silhouettes a twist, be it the regular biker jacket reimagined with coloured beads, the winter duffel coat in iridescent print with quilted texture, or culottes with pockets on the side, choosing pieces which stood out for us, is not an easy task.
Anupam Dabral
Sr. Associate Editor
It was while studying fashion journalism at London College of Fashion that Anupam developed a keen interest in the anthropological aspect of the discipline; for him, fashion only makes sense when seen in the context of its environment. He is always on the hunt for great stories, and in his spare time binge-watches films/shows starring Whoopi Goldberg, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.
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