He was the Pepsi MTV Youth Icon of 2008, the first -European designer to win the prestigious Scholarship at the Istituto Marangoni, Milan, and now one of the prominent names among the new age fashion designers of India. The young and energetic Rahul Mishra had created a space for himself in the fashion world which extends beyond India. He has more of international clients but he is purely an Indian by heart with a desire to set rural India as the biggest trend in the coming years. Team of indiainfo.com caught up Mishra at an event organised by the DAVIM, Faridabad (Fusion) and asked him about his journey in the world of fashion and about the potential Indian tradition has.

Excerpts:

Q. How long have you been associated with the fashion industry?

A. I became the part of this industry with Lakme Fashion Week in 2006. And since then, I have done a good number of shows in and out of the country. I also run a company ‘The Apple Tree’ in Mumbai. 

Q.From where do you get the inspiration for your creations?

A. I feel Indian handlooms and khadi can create waves in international fashion industry. Our Indian weavers have great potential which can be used to create wonders. I like bringing the best work from different regions together. You can see traditional south Indian woven handloom fabric in my designs. And the best part is that these dresses can be worn inside out. 

Q. How difficult is it to create a niche in the fashion industry?

A. I think God has really been very helpful to me. I was lucky be the first non-European designer to win the prestigious Scholarship at the Instituto Marangoni, Milan whose alumni includes Armani, Dolce, Gabbana, for my work. Besides, I also received Pepsi MTV Youth Award.  So, the journey has been wonderful for me and I hope I could be one of the massive Indian brands one day.

Q. ‘Anarkali style of Kurtis are once again in fashion’. Why is it that old fashion come up again and again?

A. Anarkali styles of kurtis are timeless fashion or rather say it is more of style than fashion. Though fashion changes but something that is style remains forever. And I think these styles can’t be categorized as old and new fashion.

Q. You are a strong believer of Indian tradition but how can you promote it in modern fashion?

A. I want to promote purity and the Indian tradition through my work. I know people are now more interested in western outfits rather than going for sarees therefore, I use the work of weaving and handloom in preparing western outfits and kurtis that are in fashion now. I don’t want that our talented weavers should suffer with lack of job opportunities. So, a western dress with Indian work will support the weaving community.

Q. You think Indian soaps are helping to revive our old traditions and culture?

A. Oh no, not at all. In fact I think the sarees worn by the actress in these soaps have more of stone work patterns which are not the part of our tradition.  I think Ekta Kapoor’s serials are too flashy like Bollywood without any purity in their attires. I dislike those stones, chiffon and georgette materials and I feel Indian requirement is different.

Q. Can you name some beauties for whom you would like to design for?

A. I would have been really lucky if I could have designed for beauties like Jhumpa Lahiri, Waheeda Rehman and Smita Patil. I feel they are timeless beauties who can carry themselves with great elegance in whatever they wear. And among today’s bollywood actresses, Sonam Kapoor is one actress who has same elegance even if she is in traditional or modern attires.  So, I would certainly like to design for her but again I think it’s too early to say anything about it now.

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