On 12th September 2023 designer and haut coutuerier Rahul Mishra was conferred the insignia of Chevalier dans l’Order des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government. This distinction is conferred only to distinguished persons who have stood out in the field of creativity and for their contributions to the influence of arts in France and on a global scale. Some noted Indian recipients of this honour in the past include Bharti Kher, Subodh Gupta, Shah Rukh Khan, Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Raghu Rai, Ebrahim Alkazi, Habib Tanveer, and Upamanyu Chatterjee.

Mishra’s designs at their core are engaged in ideas of sustainability in production and the preservation of India’s traditional craftsmanship. In 2014, he became the first Indian to win the International Woolmark Prize at the Milan Fashion Week and joined big names like Karl Lagerfiend and Giorgio Armani who have bagged the Australian award. This collection which Mishra said was based on providing livelihood to wool weavers.

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Speaking at the investiture, the Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Emmanuel Lenain commented on Mishra’s contribution to the landscape of Indian fashion and complimented him for making a remarkable impact on a global stage. “Through this award, France honors Rahul Mishra’s outstanding achievements and his contribution to forging a deeper connection between our two nations,” he said.

Originally from Malhausi, Uttar Pradesh, Mishra has been bagging accolades since the beginning of his design career. In 2005 he graduated from the National Institute of Design while winning Best Student Designer of the Year. Four years later, he won a scholarship to Milan’s Istituto Marangoni. During this time he made his debut at Lakme Fashion Week in 2006 with cotton handloom textiles from Kerala. His collection introduced traditional prints like the golden border of Kerala’s traditional mundus and the infamous silk Banarsi fabric originating from his home state to a global stage.

On receiving the order, the Mishra said, “This honor is a validation of our aspirational journey of translating Indian artistry into the fabric of French high couture and it truly belongs to the incredible team, the countless hearts and hands that touch our creations and realise my imagination into reality.” He went on to thank not only the French and Indian governments but extended thanks to the various members of the crafts community along with his mentors and well-wishers.

Over the years, Mishra has showcased his work at fashion weeks in London, Dubai, and Australia. His collections are driven by research and passion for India’s rich textile history. Conscious of new-age consumers, each collection puts the spotlight on one aspect of Indian textile history while keeping the style and feel of the garment fresh and contemporary. By pushing beyond the cliches of Indian traditional wear, Mishra is able to hold his audience close – whether in Paris or India.

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