Rahul Mishra
Designer, Rahul Mishra
The first Indian to win the Woolmark Prize, the spiritual designer is known for his use and support of traditional Indian handcrafts.
Rahul Mishra’s approach to building his brand is rooted in his respect for the provenance of his materials, the sustainability of his production lines and the preservation of India’s traditional craftsmanship and its craftsmen and women.
Originally from Malhausi, a small village located near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Mishra won Best Student Designer of The Year when he graduated from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, in 2005. In 2009, Mishra became the first non-European designer to win a scholarship to Milan’s Istituto Marangoni . He made his debut in 2006 at the Lakme Fashion Week with a collection using cotton handloom from Kerala.
Over the years, Malhausi has showcased his work at fashion weeks in London, Dubai and Australia, in addition to India Fashion Week. He has also become known for incorporating traditional Indian textiles and handmade artisanship to his work. He was the first Indian designer to feature on online rental boutique, Rent the Runway.
In 2013, Malhausi won the Indian leg of the International Woolmark Prize and later, the 2014 Woolmark Prize at the Milan Fashion Week. The award carries an AUS $100,000 prize (over 5.4 million rupis) and has previously been won by designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani . Mishra is the only Indian to have won the award. His work featured in London's Victoria & Albert Museum in 2015 to 2016 following his Woolmark Prize in 2014.
Career History
VITAL STATISTICS
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As the virus spreads and the economy falters, the country’s fashion industry is nearing crisis point. With sales down, stores closing and artisan supply chains under pressure, designers are digging deep to become even more entrepreneurial.
India’s Fashion Industry at a Crossroads
As the virus spreads and the economy falters, the country’s fashion industry is nearing crisis point. With sales down, stores closing and artisan supply chains under pressure, designers are digging deep to become even more entrepreneurial.
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BoF sits down with the president of the Indian fashion school to hear how the academy weaves a curriculum of local artisanship with international study opportunities to mould its next generation of fashion professionals.
Marrying Traditional Craftsmanship with International Opportunity at Pearl Academy
BoF sits down with the president of the Indian fashion school to hear how the academy weaves a curriculum of local artisanship with international study opportunities to mould its next generation of fashion professionals.
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From Levi’s and Gap to Issey Miyake, global brands are tapping the business potential of khadi, the fabric promoted by Mahatma Gandhi during India’s struggle for independence.
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At Rahul Mishra, a Rainforest à la Rousseau
Rahul Mishra's jungle-inspired collection was perfectly pretty. But was it enough?
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Searching for newness is clearly not Rahul Mishra's raison d’étre, nor should it be. But as he rides a wave of popularity, a more clearly defined silhouette would help do justice to his potential in the bourgeoning market for artisanal eveningwear.
Modernising Craft at Rahul Mishra
Searching for newness is clearly not Rahul Mishra's raison d’étre, nor should it be. But as he rides a wave of popularity, a more clearly defined silhouette would help do justice to his potential in the bourgeoning market for artisanal eveningwear.
Rahul Mishra Goes Multi-Dimensional
There is love in the way Rahul Mishra clothes are so intricately crafted, and delicately embroidered — but this time he introduced a new urban touch.
Rahul Mishra Goes Multi-Dimensional
There is love in the way Rahul Mishra clothes are so intricately crafted, and delicately embroidered — but this time he introduced a new urban touch.
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
