Rahul Mishra Spring Summer 2022 mood board bloomed with flowers from his fantasy wild garden

Read time 5 minutes

All clothing by Rahul Mishra.

Rahul Mishra is a designer who views couture as more than just a collection of garments; to him, it's an expression of art that draws from the beauty of nature. With his latest collection, he transforms the splendor of the Himalayas into intricate pieces that evoke a sense of fantasy and imagination.

For Rahul Mishra, couture is not merely about following trends or predicting the latest fashion fads; it’s about creating art that brings his wildest imaginations to life through the lens of nature. His approach to couture is unique, drawing inspiration from the natural world and infusing it with his creativity. “Originality is very important for me,” he says. “Nature is the most optimal influence in my process.”

In his latest collection, Mishra turns to the beauty of the Himalayas for inspiration. The breathtaking landscapes, with their ice-capped mountains and lush flora, provide a rich tapestry for his creative mind. He takes elements from the botanical wilderness and reinterprets them into stunning couture pieces. From real flowers to the tranquil serenity of the region, everything is transformed into wearable art.

All clothing by Rahul Mishra.

Rahul Mishra’s vision extends beyond the runway. He dreams of building a home and creative sanctuary in the rural northern parts of India, away from the bustling civilization. Although the physical structure is yet to be built, he has already brought his architectural wonders to life through his couture ensembles. His exaggerated designs reflect the freedom and vastness of the Himalayan wilderness.

Rahul’s latest collection, aptly titled “The Enchanted,” is a journey into a world of fantasy. The couture pieces evoke a sense of magic and otherworldliness, as if they were plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. His muse is Mother Earth, and his designs reflect the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The result is a collection that feels both ethereal and grounded in nature.

Creating this collection was a liberating experience for Mishra. He embraced the extensive biodiversity of the Himalayas and found innovative ways to translate it into fashion. “The Himalayan biodiversity is extensive,” he explains. “To poetically present it through fashion was equally challenging and amusing.” His approach to couture is to break free from limitations, allowing his imagination to soar.

All clothing by Rahul Mishra.

Mishra’s creativity shines in the way he transforms flowers into couture. He took rare blooms like poppies, peace lilies, foxgloves, bellflowers, hollyhocks, iris, and anemones and incorporated them into his designs. The result is a collection where each garment is not just adorned with flowers, but takes on the form and shape of these natural elements. This meticulous attention to detail elevates his work to a new level of craftsmanship.

While preparing to showcase his third fashion film for the Spring/Summer Haute Couture Week 2022 edition, Mishra faced significant challenges due to the ongoing pandemic. The third wave of COVID-19 hit his atelier, impacting both him and his team. Despite these obstacles, he remained determined to create something extraordinary. “The final product is for the world to enjoy, but to us, the procedure and the journey are also equally cathartic,” he says.

Mishra is known for his innovative use of textiles, shapes, and embellishments. His approach to creating couture is to meld various techniques into a harmonious whole. “When we start designing a collection, we aren’t married to a particular idea or technique; the approach we take is very fluid,” he explains. Each piece is a blend of hundreds of techniques, from sequins and thread to gathers, sheer panels, applique, and dori work.

“Originality is crucial in my designs; my inspiration doesn’t come from the internet but from the world around me. Nature, with all its beauty and complexity, is my muse.” — Rahul Mishra

Rahul Mishra’s designs are a celebration of exploration and experimentation. He doesn’t confine himself to strict rules or conventional ideas. Instead, he allows his creativity to guide him, resulting in a collection that feels like “beautiful chaos.” This approach to couture is refreshing in a world where fashion often follows strict trends and styles.

Mishra’s latest collection features a quote from the Persian poet Rumi that encapsulates his philosophy on couture: “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” This quote reflects Mishra’s belief in breaking free from conventional boundaries and embracing the unknown in his designs. It’s a philosophy that aligns perfectly with his approach to fashion.

Nature is more than just an inspiration for Rahul Mishra; it’s a muse that guides his creativity. The landscapes, flowers, and elements from the wilderness are not just aesthetic influences but serve as a foundation for his designs. By interspersing nature with imagination, Mishra creates couture that feels organic yet fantastical.

All clothing by Rahul Mishra.

For Mishra, the process of creating couture is as important as the final product. The journey involves overcoming challenges, pushing creative boundaries, and finding catharsis in the work. Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, he found fulfillment in bringing his vision to life. Each piece in his collection tells a story, reflecting the emotional and artistic journey he undertook.

Mishra’s couture embodies the joy of experimentation. By blending various techniques and textures, he creates pieces that are as visually stunning as they are unique. This playful approach allows him to explore different possibilities without being bound by traditional constraints. The result is a collection that feels fresh and innovative.

Rahul Mishra’s couture challenges conventional notions of high fashion. By drawing inspiration from nature and embracing artistic freedom, he offers a new perspective on what couture can be. His designs are a testament to the power of creativity and imagination, proving that fashion can be both wearable and artful.

All clothing by Rahul Mishra.

Mishra’s journey to create his latest collection was not without adversity. The COVID-19 pandemic affected both him and his team, adding complexity to the production process. However, he didn’t let these challenges deter him. His resilience and determination are reflected in the stunning pieces he created, showcasing his ability to thrive even in difficult times.

Rahul Mishra’s couture is a celebration of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The intricate techniques used to create each piece reflect his commitment to quality and artistry. By blending traditional methods with innovative designs, he elevates couture to a new level, proving that fashion can be a true form of artistic expression.

As Rahul Mishra continues to push the boundaries of couture, the fashion world eagerly anticipates what he will create next. His unique approach to fashion, rooted in nature and imagination, offers a refreshing take on the industry. By embracing the unknown and celebrating creativity, Mishra is paving the way for a new era of couture, where art and fashion seamlessly blend.

Text by
Adrian Hendrix

Fashion by
Rahul Mishra

Posted
May 5, 2022

Text by
Adrian Hendrix

Fashion by
Rahul Mishra

August 9, 2018

Art By & Large Fashion Haute Couture Photography Rahul Mishra Unique Perspectives

Feature

Inside the world of Luke James as the artist traces desire, vulnerability and connection through his album

Read time 5 minutes

Text by
Kylar Ashton

Photography by
Ben Abarbanel.

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

Posted
June 19, 2022

Before to feel love/d entered the world, Luke James invited us into the quiet space where voice, memory and desire become music.

“This album is a culmination of experiences,” Luke says. “It is music that I’ve lived with for a while. I like to think of it as a bridge into my new endeavors as an independent artist.”

Following two years devoted to acting, to feel love/d marked Luke’s return to music on his own terms. Its first three singles—“go girl,” featuring BJ The Chicago Kid and Ro James, “all of your love” and “blow”—carried that return across major R&B playlists on Spotify and Amazon Music.

Luke’s history moves between the intimate and the iconic. He has written for Justin Bieber, Snoh Aalegra and Chris Brown, performed alongside Prince and opened for Beyoncé during The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. His song “I Want You” earned his first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance, followed by a second nomination for “Options,” featuring Rick Ross, in the category of Best R&B Song.

With to feel love/d, that history becomes a threshold—the closing of one chapter and the first sound of whatever comes next.

Beyond music, Luke’s presence moves easily across the screen. In Lena Waithe’s The Chi, he entered a story shaped by life on Chicago’s South Side, where a single event sends tremors through a community and draws unexpected lives together.

His screen work also includes Universal Pictures’ Little, alongside Issa Rae, Regina Hall and Marsai Martin, and a leading role in Lee Daniels’s musical drama Star. Elsewhere, he has appeared in HBO’s Insecure, Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. and The Bobby Brown Story, portraying R&B singer Johnny Gill.

Montrose meets Luke at the intersection of music and performance, where he reflects on adrenaline, the philosophy guiding his life and the world taking shape beyond to feel love/d.

MONTROSE

Who is Luke James in five words?

LUKE

Loving. Honorable. Nasty. Happy. Sad. Okay, let’s see—what else is there?

MONTROSE

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

LUKE

I begin with a check—a self-diagnostic. I feel my body, my mind and my spirit. Then I express gratitude for waking up to another day. Thank you, God.

MONTROSE

What philosophy guides your life?

LUKE

“Don’t worry, be happy.” Not to sound cliché, but my mother always told me not to worry. I think I’m now at a place where I want to be. So yes—don’t worry, be happy. Everything is going to work out.

MONTROSE

What do people often misunderstand about you?

LUKE

I think people see me as an extrovert. Maybe I play the part well sometimes, but I’m naturally more introverted.

My career helps draw me out of that because I want to experience life in all its forms, and sometimes my instincts don’t allow me that pleasure. The work takes me outside of myself. It introduces me to people and new ideas. It keeps my mind open.

“With ‘to feel love/d,’ I aim to create a sonic journey where emotions flow freely, melodies captivate, and every listener finds solace in the music.” – Luke James

MONTROSE

What gives you the greatest adrenaline rush?

LUKE

The stage. It is a rush unlike anything else. I can come offstage having cut myself and not even realize it until the next day. In that moment, the adrenaline takes over.

MONTROSE

Where does your mind go when you are alone?

LUKE

A lot of places—some of them personal. I think about work, but not necessarily in the way everyone else might. I find pleasure in what I do, so when I speak about work, I am really speaking about my passions. They happen to make me money, which turns them into work—something I must continue doing to make a living.

But I enjoy it. So, to answer your question, I think about creativity. I think about God, love and the world. I try my best to think about things that make me happy.

MONTROSE

What quality do you most admire in yourself?

LUKE

My willpower. I am constantly reminded of how strong it is. If there is something I truly want, I work my ass off to get it.

It sometimes feels as though everything around me begins to shift, allowing me to reach whatever I am searching for. I am not pretending to be a guru—I am still figuring it out too.

MONTROSE

What might others find strange about you?

LUKE

I don’t know. Someone else might have to answer that. I don’t consider anything I do particularly strange. I’m interesting. Laughs.

MONTROSE

What three qualities do you value most in another person?

LUKE

Empathy, intellect and spirituality—something within that realm. There are so many qualities to value. Fucking three just isn’t enough.

MONTROSE

What struggle have you learned to move through?

LUKE

Seeing myself for who I am. Acknowledging it, honoring it and strengthening it. Learning to be happy with the process of becoming a better version of myself—and falling in love with that process.

It is constant. I believe it is a struggle almost everyone experiences.

MONTROSE

If you could leave your younger self one message, what would it be?

LUKE

Wake up early. Create, create, create. Stay open and be a sponge. Don’t worry.

Leave negative people and situations alone. Let them go. You may love them, but you can love them from a distance. Enjoy yourself. Be present in the moment, and listen to your own voice. Stay centered.

Many trying things will come your way. Be still and keep moving forward. Everything will be all right.

Yep, that’s it. I hope that made sense.

Photography by Ben Abarbanel. Styling by Guvanch Agajumayev. Grooming by Travis Lester. Casting by André Adkins.