A Decade Of Style

The Years aren't just a measure of time; they encompass effort, evolution and achievement. Three designers who hit the 10-year milestone rewind and recount their journey for vogue

RAHUL MISHRA

The designer, who draws inspiration from his humble background, talks entrepreneurship, crafts and pushing boundaries with every milestone. By SHEREE GOMES GUPTA

From the sleepy village of Malhausi in India to the runways of London, Paris and Milan, Rahul Mishra’s career trajectory has been on an upward swing ever since his breakout collection at the Lakmé Fashion Week in 2006. All through his success over the past decade the 39-year-old designer has stayed true to his roots, showcasing a love for traditional Indian textiles and handmade couture very early on. “Each collection has a narrative inspired by childhood memories,” says Mishra. He tells Vogue how he has evolved through every milestone.

#ISTITUTOMARANGONI

Who’d have thought that a boy from a remote village in India would become the first non-European to win a scholarship to Istituto Marangoni, the prestigious school of fashion and design based in Milan, Italy? If you knew Rahul Mishra as a child, however, you’d be far from surprised. “I’ve always wanted to be an artist, but because I was a good student my father was determined I get into IIT and become an engineer. After a confrontation with him on my career choices, I moved out, got a post-graduate degree at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, shifted base to Delhi and never looked back.”