Rahul Mishra’s AFEW spring collection draws inspiration from Indian girls in rural villages, pursuing their dreams by moving to big cities. While embracing Western culture and being adept in Instagram and social media language, they remain deeply connected to their traditions. They style modern fashion with traditional Indian pieces and accessories, such as the long scarf known as a dupatta, the bindu or third eye dot painted on their forehead, and the stacks of delicate golden bangles adorning their wrists.
“It’s a global approach,” Mishra explained at a showroom appointment in Paris. He envisioned a girl who is “a bit vulnerable, somewhat brave, and curious about the modern world,” yet remains deeply connected to and appreciative of her cultural roots. Mishra noted that local traditions and customs are increasingly being absorbed and diluted into a globalized culture, which “makes everything appear homogeneous”—a perspective that’s hard to dispute. Cue his ‘easy-to-wear’ collection, blending international appeal with Indian styling references.
The traditional kurta—an elongated T-shaped tunic often paired with fitted pants—served as the foundation for crisp white cotton shirtdresses, adorned with tone-on-tone embroidery at the hem. Pleated skirts worn over leggings drew inspiration from Jaipur’s multi-paneled kurtas, reimagined in bold floral prints. Floral motifs and irises were also embroidered in sequins on pretty sundresses and masculine shirts, using patchwork techniques similar to those rural Indian women use to personalize their kurtas. “There’s strength in preserving your culture; wealth isn’t just about money,” Mishra remarked. “It’s about culture, upbringing, and family values.”
