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ShareNew Delhi: His innovative reversible and seamless designs have won applause from India's fashionistas but what's unique about designer Rahul Mishra's garments is the fabric - all handmade by village weavers.
Millions of weavers in India still manufacture textiles using handheld looms and Mishra wants the benefits of high fashion to trickle down to these traditional craftsmen.
"I try to give khadi (handspun cloth) a chic look so that it can appeal to international buyers as well as Indian buyers," Mishra said in an interview.
The designer won rave reviews on his debut at India's premier fashion week in October with visiting French fashion doyen Didier Grumbach describing him as "the commercial success" of the event.
Mishra said his use of traditional fabrics was based on the philosophy of his idol, Mahatma Gandhi, India's iconic freedom fighter who advocated the use of khadi and championed the cause of the poor.
"A Gandhian fabric, a Gandhian philosophy can go really far and that is what this world needs today."
Mishra first began dabbling in traditional textiles in 2006 as part of a student project which he later showcased during a fashion week in Mumbai.
He has since used Indian handspun fabrics like Banarasi silk, tie-and-dye cotton, Maheshwar cotton and Bhagalpur silk from various parts of the country.
"It helps millions of weavers, their products get consumed faster and they also become part of the economic revolution India is going through," he said.
Mishra is strong in lines and patterns and his signature design is the ''reversible'' dress, which can be worn inside-out for a completely new look.
The enthusiastic response from critics and buyers has been "like a dream" for the young designer who completed his studies at Milan's Istituto Marangoni in 2008, where he was the first non-European designer to win a scholarship.
"I've got buyers from the UK, Singapore, Canada. I've also just finished a big deal with a Chennai buyer," said Mishra.
"Touch wood! It's a dream run."
