Rahul Mishra presents visually stunning collection at Paris Haute Couture Week 2025
09 July, Mumbai 2025
At Paris Haute Couture Week 2025, Indian designer Rahul Mishra presented a visually stunning collection that transcended mere fashion. Titled, ‘Becoming Love,’ this couture showcase was a spiritual exploration of the seven stages of love as defined by Sufi philosophy: dilkashi (attraction), uljhan (infatuation), ishq (love), aqeedat (reverence), ibadat (worship), junoon (madness), and finally, maut (death)—which Mishra interprets not as an end, but as a profound surrender and transcendence.
The collection began with hushed whites and soft golds, embodying dilkashi with gentle heart motifs and barely-there dresses. As emotions deepened, the uljhan range arrived with richer colors and intricate, almost entangling embroidery, reflecting the growing tension of infatuation. The range ‘Ishq’, featured harmonious silhouettes, exemplified by a radiant golden gown adorned with halos of sequins, showcasing Mishra's confident floral embroidery.
The journey then transitioned to aqeedat (reverence) and ibadat (worship) collections, where divine influence was palpable through high necklines, covered arms, and surreal headpieces crafted by milliner Stephen Jones. These garments transformed into wearable altars, like a pale gown cascading with pearls, resembling a whispered prayer.
The narrative intensified with the junoon range, expressed in dramatic duljhan eep crimson, blackened roses, exaggerated silhouettes, and disoriented patterns. This stage, representing obsession, culminated in a monumental gown resembling an erupting rose in wine-dark sequins, famously worn by Cardi B as she closed the show. The final act, maut (death) range showcased garments in ivory and faded blush, symbolizing memory and a soft return, where the body is carried by spirit.
In ‘Becoming Love,’ Mishra elevated couture into a profound emotional narrative. His use of motifs like roses as symbols of wounds or declarations, and gold as illumination, demonstrated an intentional artistry free of gimmickry. The collection underscored that love, much like fashion, is a dynamic process of ‘becoming,’ proving Mishra's spiritual and creative maturity, and reminding us that to love deeply is to surrender beautifully, even amidst grief and madness.
