Paying ode to bridalwear that is eco-positive

Rahul Mishra’s collection, Parizaad, takes forward his sustainable approach to fashion

The details maketh couture. And, for our Stalwarts Gallery designer, Rahul Mishra, the attention to the little things is what makes his creations truly high fashion. For HT City Print Fashion Week

Season 3, supported by Fashion Design Council of India, Mishra’s collection, Parizaad, takes centerstage

The influences are many, including Mughal architecture and Japanese design nuances. But, at the core of the collection is the thought of sustainability and focus on hand-done craftsmanship. “My aim is to make each ensemble versatile and to ensure that each element can be worn like a separate, rather than making costume-y bridalwear. This increases the wearability. The dupattas are done in cotton, combined with organzas, making them very lightweight and giving them the ability to be worn many a times. Anything which gets more use out of it is more sustainable, and that’s my exact approach,” Mishra says. “The workmanship might be intense, but these couture pieces are not heavy to carry. The idea is to make wedding couture that a bride can even drive in — comfort is key,” he adds.

Our third day of PFW is thus dedicated to the philosophy of intelligent design and processes.

Custom-made creations deserve not only the right occasion, but also an intelligent thought to back them. If you are a conscious consumer who cares about the varied facets of sustainability — minimising environmental harm, maximising employment and utility — then Rahul Mishra’s collection, Parizaad, is for you. “The collection includes all-cotton looks (a rarity in wedding wear) and handcrafted couture pieces that can be washed at home, increasing wearability,” he says. “We have also experimented with lots of elements — From using architecture-inspired haft rang (seven colours), to the floral jaal, and threedimensional embroidery techniques,” he adds. So, if you are the eco-positive and conscious bride, take your pick from Mishra’s collection.

PHOTO: JASJEET PLAHA/HT Rahul Mishra’s couture creations focus on wearability and include a play of polar colour palettes like pastel shades and vibrant hues

Designer Rahul Mishra’s Parizaad collection makes up the third day of HT City Print Fashion Week Season 3

Ditch lehengas that will weigh you and your style down. This contemporary piece brings together floral motifs and the unusual combination of bright yellow and indulgent blue.

With comfort being a pivot to Mishra’s collection, these separates are perfect for your day mehendi, or even if you are a part of the bridal entourage.

The geometric, oriental touch to the floral embroidery combined with the neo-romantic, foliage-inspired edge to the dupatta makes the look stand out. Mishra speaks about the zen-like feel in the collection, and this lehenga is a testament to his...

PHOTOS: Jasjeet Plaha/HT; STYLING: Prerna Gauba STYLING ASSISTANT: Nekieta Narang JEWELLERY: Vishal Jewels, Pitara and St Erasmus; MODELS: Divya Misra, Hida Hiddiqui and Devika Das MAKEUP: Toni & Guy, North India The creations also salute the beauty of nature. The gold and white combination is classic, and the beauty is in the intricate details.