Two years ago in 2014, Rahul Mishra won hearts of the International Woolmark Prize panelists, today the 36-year-old is winning more hearts with new levels of accomplishments.

He recently showed his ready-to-wear autumn/winter collection at the Paris Fashion Week which garnered praises from fashion critics worldwide, who especially loved his use of 'Indian handicrafts and contemporary design elements.' But there was more to the collection than just aesthetic; "ideas of this collection came to me during a special time and space in my life." The New Delhi-based designer opens up with TOI about 'that special time', fame, Paris Fashion Week and which famous public personality he would like to dress. Hint: She is world's most beautiful woman.

On The Theme for Ready-To-Wear Fall 2016 Collection.

The collection, entitled 'It Felt Love', finds voice as an expression of my love for Indian craftsmanship which integrates the brand's philosophies - sustainable, slow, and handmade.

What Was The Inspirations For The Collection?

Ideas of this collection came to me during a special time and space in my life. The joy of my newborn daughter, witnessing the unconditional love and beauty around her was my initiation to find newer meanings of love. The journey this season brings on board diverse influences and timeless traditions. Telling tales of Indian textiles, narrating the intricacies of centuries old craft, and the deep ocean of wealth in handcraft of India, the Fall 2016 line encapsulates multi cultural influences. The intricate tying and dyeing of fabric (Bandhini), using patterns and designs that emerge from the beauty of porcelain adds newer dimensions to the craft. The predominant blue that comes from the porcelain ancestry also symbolizes the spirit of Paris - the city of love, which bounced back with its strong resilience and indomitable spirit.

A Trend from The Collection You'd Want It To Go Big

This collection has been a defining moment for me in terms of representing India on a platform like Paris Fashion Week. Some of the looks that have emerged as an absolute favorite by the press and buyers both in India and internationally are: Bomber made in bandhini, Quilted bandhini long coat, T-shirt saree dress and ​Hand crafted French knot merino-wool sweat shirt

These were absolutely new offering from us and create a new modern perspective and revival of Bandhini which is a craft that is almost 1000 years old. It also takes forward the brand ideology of preserving beautiful stories of people, process, and craft.

Who Is A Rahul Mishra Girl?

I am very inspired by women who multitask and have a great deal of strength and courage. She is soft and fragile at the same time. This duality is a gift which the new age woman carries with grace as she happens to be well traveled and informed. She loves to flaunt her personality and doesn't try to be anybody else. With her great sense of style she mixes her look in an effective way. She is strong yet she loves her femininity.
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What Does Rahul Mishra Think About Fellow Indian Designers at the Fashion Week (Manish Arora-PFW, Ashish-LFW, Bibhu Mohapatra-NYFW, Naeem Khan and Sachin+Babi-NYFW)

I have a great deal of respect for all my fellow Indian designers who are each working extremely hard to create a name on the International scene. Each of them has a strong individual signature.

Looks You Are Proud Of -

Two of my favorite looks are: Hand embroidered porcelain short jacket with Girih tile pattern skirt and hand embroidered silk organza panel dress. It's the uniqueness of each piece that we create that makes this collection special.

What Has Changed After Winning International Woolmark Prize?

I am very grateful and fortunate to have won the Woolmark Prize and receive the tremendous appreciation and support. Winning the prize validated my work internationally. It provided an opportunity to make my brand global in the real sense. After the woolmark award being won by an Indian designer there has been definitely lot of buzz on the national and International stages. I started my journey with a vision and this award has helped raise awareness with my philosophy.

It has helped not only how the business is growing but also has great influence in terms of confidence and attitude for our brand. It would be an understatement to say this prize refined the brand Rahul Mishra. I also firmly believe that the Talent might help get one a prize like Woolmark prize but it is the attitude in the end, that will takes you a long way.

What Does It Mean To Show in an International Runway?

The international and Indian fashion community has loved my work all through the journey in all the 4 seasons and the support we have received from the International press and even the press back home has helped us create a strong image. I must say it's just a beginning for us with the opportunity provided by a truly global Paris fashion week. From business point of view we are retailing from top fashion stores across the globe today like Colette, Nicholas Harvey, Saks Fifth Avenue and Feathers in London.

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