Mumbai, March 31 Renowned designer Rahul Mishra says there is a critical need to archive the design histories of the Indian fashion industry, which is otherwise celebrated for its vibrant textiles and intricate handiwork.
"One of the most pressing challenges for the Indian fashion industry is the lack of formal infrastructure around how we document, preserve, and build upon our work. There is very little culture of archiving collections or systematically recording design histories, which makes the evolution of fashion here feel less structured than it actually is," Mishra told
"This also extends to areas like intellectual property and conservation, where, in the absence of documentation, designers are often not fully equipped to protect or contextualise their work," he said.
The designer, born in Kanpur, said that the Indian fashion industry is driven by cultural context and occasion rather than seasonal cycles in the West.
"Much of fashion in India is also rooted in the idea of preserving traditions rather than individual authorship alone. I believe that building stronger systems of documentation, design thinking, and long-term value while remaining rooted in this unique context, can be truly transformative."
Mishra reimagined cotton fabric in high-fashion couture for his latest collection at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) 2026, titled White Gold. The LFW was held from March 19 to 22.
"Our approach was not to transform cotton, but to present it with the sensitivity and context it deserves. The collection is a small expression of that ongoing exploration," he added.
Mishra aims to reinterpret existing Indian textiles rather than searching for new ones.
From Bandhani, wool tartans, Madras checks, Maheshwari silks to Chanderi and Khadi, Mishra’s goal is to engage with these fabrics in ways that feel both "respectful and contemporary".
"These textiles carry their own history and context... For me, the excitement lies not in introducing something new, but in reinterpreting what already exists, and presenting it in a way that allows it to be seen with renewed relevance."
While Mishra’s work is often celebrated for its visual storytelling, the designer said he spends his time gardening and making sweets.
"For now, storytelling remains woven into the garments," he said when asked whether he ever thought of directing a movie or a story.
The designer said he finds inspiration in the works of American astronomers like Neil deGrasse Tyson and Carl Sagan, and natural historian David Attenborough in the way they bring together science, nature, and imagination.
Mishra recalls being drawn to astronomy, geometry, and physics in his childhood.
"At one point, I would have imagined myself continuing in the field of science, as it was a strong area of interest during my early years. There was always a curiosity about how things work, and an inclination towards structure and logic," he said.
Over time, Mishra became interested in architecture and space design, that's how Aatman, a boutique hillside villa, came about. The property is the debut architectural project by Mishra and his wife, Divya Bhatt Mishra in Uttarakhand.
"I now find myself increasingly interested in designing spaces and architecture," he said.