This feels unreal

It's been raining awards for the talented Goan designer - first came the Padma Shri and now he's been bestowed with the prestigious Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight in the National Order of Arts and Letters) by the Minister of Culture and Communications Aurélie Fillipetti, Paris. He joins the ranks of T S Elliott, Audrey Hepburn, Jeanne Moreau, Sean Connery, Marion Coutillard, George Clooney, Jude Law and Cate Blanchett who have been bestowed the distinguished Knight decoration - initiated in 1957 and not abolished by President Charles de Gaulle in 1963 - in recognition of contribution to the arts and literature.
The French Ambassador Francois Richier, conveyed the distinction of the decoration to the celebrated couturier. The decoration will be given in person at a mutually conducive date during the Wills India Fashion Week in Delhi. Over to the maverick...

What was your first reaction when you got the news?
I was in total shock. I mean honestly...I had to look it up on the internet and was then astounded at the illustrious company I am in.

You join the likes of legends like Audrey Hepburn and TS Elliott. How does it feel to be part of the galaxy?
This feels unreal. The list reads like a powerhouse of very talented folk. Jeanne Moreau has been like an icon all my life, as is Audrey Hepburn and T S Elliott. And among the Indians are Aishwarya Rai, Nandita Das and Pablo Bartholomew. I am indeed honoured as these people have taken their craft to an art level.

The award has truly put Indian fashion on the global map. Do you attribute it to your pure art and refined aesthetic which has a pan global connect?
Seriously, I don't think about myself or my work much. I simply work hard and believe in my unique philosophy of minimalism, resort and eco-friendly clothes. Even when IGEDO and the Salon Pret a Porter de Paris invited me... I was wondering 'Why me?' I am asking myself the same question at this distinction. I have been pro France all my life. Recently I helped with a Fashion Dictionary that was meant for India but went international with fashion students as the Alliance Francaise in Paris thought it relevant for all students of fashion worldwide.

It's been a great year for Indian fashion - Rahul Mishra and now you. Does it signify India shining on the global fashion map in years to come? Earlier India was lauded for its contribution in technology and medicine and now Indian designers are being celebrated.
Till you brought it up, I did not even think about internationally. The year began with the Padma Shri from India and now this international honour. I am happy for Rahul Mishra and I am elated myself. It is my dream that Indian fashion crosses all boundaries and we shine on the world stage with India's great leap into world power status. We should all be happy for our country.