Rahul Mishra has created masterpieces and dressed celebrities around the world, he was the first Indian designer to be invited to showcase his work at the Haute Couture Week in Paris. During the grand opening of the ‘India in Fashion’ exhibition at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, all eyes were on Mishra’s ethereal collection. Rahul Mishra’s creative designs have put India on the global fashion map.

The Delhi-based designer, who weaves the mysteries of nature into his designs and transforms fabrics into magical costumes, has bigger and more mysterious creations ahead.

In an interview with Zee News Digital, Rahul Mishra talks about his connection with nature and creating the most impeccable designs along with his creative process and much more. Read the excerpt here.

Can you explain how your personal connection with nature has influenced your work, and are there any specific places that have been particularly inspiring to you for this collection?

For me, nature is not limited to any specific place; It is omnipresent. Each collection draws inspiration from our surroundings – easily overlooked elements of nature, whether it’s the stars, the depth of water, or an open leaf in a pot. The abundance of nature is present around us at every corner, making it a profound source of inspiration. Beyond nature, man-made forms such as buildings and geometric structures have also been inspirational in my work.

For me, my recent trip to Singapore was as enriching as anything I experienced there, a perfect blend of natural stimuli and technical prowess. Everywhere I looked, there was something unique and inspiring, especially the Sensoryscape Gardens in Sentosa, the Museum of Arts and Sciences at Marina Bay Sands, and even the vibrant Peranakan shophouses on Joo Chiat Street.

What thoughts go through your mind before making a costume? Can you tell us about your creative process, from initial concept to final creation, and how your designs evolve along the way?

Every season, we start a creative journey from ground zero. This is the beauty of creating something new – no preconceived ideas, no set thought processes – but just direct experience. We explore 2-3 concepts together, developing ideas until we organize them into a powerful theme that guides our entire creative process. The challenge is knowing where or how to start. In short, the process is very organic, driven by many ideas but constrained by time.