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

Underlined

Discovering inspiration alongside the artist Luke James as he unveils his eagerly awaited album, “to feel love/d.”

Read time 5 minutes

Text by
Kylar Ashton

Photography by
Ben Abarbanel.

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

Posted
June 19, 2022

As the world eagerly awaits the release of his highly anticipated album, "to feel love/d," Luke James, the visionary artist known for his soulful melodies and captivating performances, invites us into his creative sanctuary.

Speaking on the new release, Luke says, “This album is a body of work that is a culmination of experiences. [it’s] music that I’ve lived with for a while. I like to think of this album as more of a bridge into my new endeavors being an independent artist.” “To feel love/d” marks Luke’s much-awaited return to his widely successful music career following a two-year hiatus to focus on his work in acting. The three singles from the album, entitled “go girl” ft. BJ The Chicago Kid and Ro James, “all of your love,” and “blow” took the music streaming platforms by force, including features on massive playlists such as Spotify’s New Music Friday, Are & Be, and rotation on Amazon’s Global R&B platform.

Lukes’ credits are as vast as they are impressive. Throughout his career, he has written songs for the likes of Justin Bieber, Snoh Aalegra, and Chris Brown, to name a few. He has also performed alongside the late Prince and is one of the very few artists to ever open for Beyoncé, during her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Luke received his first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance for his hit song “I Want You” (from his first mixtape “#Luke”) and received his second Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song for “Options” ft. Rick Ross (from his self-titled debut album “Luke James”).

On the television front, it was announced that Luke is set to star in the third season of the hit Showtime drama series, “The Chi.” Created by Lena Waithe, the series follows the lives of a group of people in the South Side neighborhood of Chicago after a fateful turn of events sends shock waves through the community but also connects them in unexpected ways.

Luke also recently starred in the smash hit Universal Pictures’ comedy “Little,” opposite Issa Rae, Regina Hall, and Marsai Martin and is well-known for his starring role in the musical drama series “Star” on FOX, created and helmed by Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels. Additional acting credits for Luke include recurring arcs on HBO’s “Insecure,” USA’s “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.,” and his role as R&B singer Johnny Gill on BET’s “The Bobby Brown Story.” Luke recently spoke to Slick to discuss his biggest adrenaline rush, his philosophy on life, and the plans he has in store

Slick: Who is Luke James in five words?

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

Slick: What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

Luke: I guess a check, diagnostic check, you know, self-diagnostics. I just feel my body, fill my mind, my spirit and I project gratitude for waking up another day. Thank you, God!

Slick: What’s your philosophy on life?

Luke: Don’t worry be happy. Yeah, not to be cliche. My mother used to always say, don’t worry. I think I’m at a place where I want to be. So yeah, don’t worry, be happy because everything’s gonna work out for sure.

Slick: What do people always misunderstand about you?

Luke: I think I’m finding that people think that I am somewhat of an extrovert, I guess. Maybe I act the part well, sometimes. I think my career kind of helps me out of my introverted ways because I want to enjoy life and all the different aspects of it and sometimes my innate ways don’t allow that pleasure. My career helps me get out. It helps me meet people. It helps me get into new ideas, you know, 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

Slick: What gives you the biggest adrenaline rush?

Luke: My biggest adrenaline rush, I’d say has been on the stage. It’s a rush like no other. I can come off stage and have cut myself and not even realize I did until the next day, you know, my adrenaline took over…

Slick: What do you think about when you’re by yourself?

Luke: A lot of things rather personal… I think about work, you know, in the sense of like work, as everyone else may think of work. I find pleasure in what I do so when I’m talking about work, I’m talking about my passions which happen to make me money which turns into work. It is something that I must do to continue making a living. I enjoy it so I guess to answer your question I think about creativity. I think about God, I think about love, I think about the world. I try my best to think about happy things…

Slick: What qualities do you admire about yourself?

Luke: One of the qualities I admire about myself is my really strong willpower. I am constantly reminded of my willpower. So yeah, I truly admire that about myself. If there’s something I want, truly want, I work my ass off to get it, to have it. It seems like everything around me just conform to enable me to have whatever it is I’m in search of. I’m not sitting here saying or acting like I’m a guru. I’m still figuring that thing out too.

Slick: What is the weirdest thing you would consider about yourself?

Luke: The weirdest thing about me, I don’t know. I think maybe someone else may have to say what that is. I don’t particularly find anything I do weird. I’m interesting (lol).

Slick: What are the three things you value most about a person?

Luke: A person’s empathy, the person’s intellect, and their spirituality, you know something in that realm. There are so many things fucking three is just not enough…

Slick: Tell us about any struggle you’ve overcome.

Luke: Seeing myself for who I am, acknowledging it, adhering to it, and strengthening it. Being happy with the process of becoming better, a better me. Falling in love with that process. It’s a constant. I believe it to be a struggle that just about everyone goes through.

Slick: If you could tell your former self one thing, what would it be?

Luke: Wake up early, create, create, create, stay open, be a sponge. Don’t worry. Leave negative people and things alone. Let them go. You may love them but you can love them from afar. Enjoy yourself, enjoy the moment, and don’t listen to anyone but yourself. Stay centered. There’s going to be a lot of trying things that will come your way. Be still and push forward. Everything will be alright. Yep, that’s that. I hope that all made sense.

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