#Fashionista: Rahul Mishra gives us ‘Knots of Love’

Returning after his triumphant show at Paris Fashion Week, International Woolmark Award Winner 2014, Rahul Mishra dazzled the audience with his fresh summer 2016 collection called “Knots of Love” at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2016 presented by Reliance Trends.

The basis of a Rahul Mishra collection has always been textiles and the designer did not disappoint as he took the audience on a fabulous journey of intricate fabrics and Indian crafts. Inspired by the patterns and designs that are seen on beautiful porcelain, Rahul worked around them and then sprinkled the garments with Bandhani. He also added to these fine crafts the centuries old technique of draping and created a fine blend of handmade knowledge and detailing for the exquisite creations. Weaving a great story with the warp and weft, the collection featured diverse crafts and forms to bring forth a fashionable tale.

The fabric choice started with denim and khadi and moved to silk, organza, leatherette, neoprene, jersey and chiffon to complete the mélange of textiles. The colour range was indigo, white with ochré and yellow, creating a controlled muted look. A master of detailing but with an inventive touch, there was embroidery featuring hibiscus, porcelain and lavish use of Bandhani, a hint of quilting, expert pleating and splashes of 3D.

The silhouettes were adventurous with western shapes coming in perfect unison with traditional drapes and a profusion of asymmetrical touches. The 43-piece collection had amazing construction and innovative cuts. Long and short bomber jackets, Audrey dress with side embroidery, shirt dress with pleated palazzo shoulder drape for a Bandhani number and a leatherette scallop sheer skirt with an embellished short top made a strong fashion statement.

The hand embroidered ‘Indus Constellation’ jersey top with fern motifs and the ‘Girih Tile’ pattern skirt were unusual entries. A black Bandhani trench with silk chiffon palazzo and a multicolour hand embroidered bomber with matching long skirt will be ideal evening entries. The solitary Bandhani silk sari was teamed with a silk shirt blouse to break the traditional rules.

The solitary Bandhani silk sari was teamed with a silk shirt blouse to break the traditional rules! When showstopper Ileana D’cruz glided on the ramp in a stunning blue hand embroidered silk floral gown with a dramatic cut-out back there was a hushed silence of admiration. She looked stunning!