Stitched with Soul—Rahul Mishra’s Paris Couture Show Weaves Sufism, Klimt, and Indian Craft into a Love-Fueled Masterpiece

At the heart of Paris Haute Couture Week 2025, Indian designer Rahul Mishra unveiled his Fall/Winter collection titled “Becoming Love”, a poetic and philosophical journey through the seven stages of love as described in Sufi mysticism. The show, held at the historic Collège des Bernardins, was a visual symphony of sculptural silhouettes, hand embroidery, and symbolic storytelling, blending Indian heritage with global artistry.

 

A Couture Meditation on Love

Mishra’s collection traced the emotional arc of love—attraction, infatuation, surrender, reverence, devotion, obsession, and death—through garments that were both technically masterful and spiritually evocative. The opening look, a golden heart-shaped dress, symbolized the first stirrings of desire, while the finale featured a black sculptural gown, representing the transcendence of love into memory.

 

Each stage was expressed through color palettes, fabric textures, and embellishments—from organza veils and pearl cascades to 3D roses and sequinned corsets. Mishra also drew inspiration from Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting “The Kiss”, reinterpreting its sacred feminine energy through zardozi, dabka, and threadwork executed by over 2,000 artisans.

 

Star Power and Collaborations

The show featured appearances by Lisa Haydon, who walked in a sheer corset gown adorned with floral embroidery, and Cardi B, who closed the show in a dramatic red rose gown. Mishra also collaborated with legendary milliner Stephen Jones, known for designing headpieces for Princess Diana and Dior, to create ethereal headgear that elevated the couture narrative.

 

Designer’s Reflection

“Love is not static—it’s a becoming. Through philosophy, art, and craft, we tried to stitch emotion into every seam,” Mishra told Vogue India ahead of the show.

 

Why It Matters

Rahul Mishra’s showcase marks a milestone for Indian fashion on the global stage, proving that slow fashion, emotional storytelling, and traditional techniques can coexist with avant-garde couture. His work continues to redefine what it means to be a global designer rooted in Indian identity.

 

Sources: India Today, Rediff, News18, WWD