Renowned fashion designer Rahul Mishra unveiled a fresh addition to his portfolio during Paris Fashion Week, introducing the AFEW label, which stands for Air, Fire, Earth, Water. This collection represents Mishra's vision of effortlessly luxurious ready-to-wear fashion tailored to the contemporary woman's wardrobe, characterized by clean and youthful silhouettes.
The inspiration for the apparel is drawn unmistakably from Mishra's Indian heritage, an enduring influence in his creative repertoire.
For those who have been captivated by his intricate couture pieces, AFEW offers simplified motifs in ready-to-wear form. Unlike haute couture, which involves meticulous handcrafting and unique creations, a ready-to-wear collection is produced in larger quantities in a factory. However, this distinction does not diminish the quality of Mishra's AFEW label, even though it is relatively more accessible in terms of pricing.
Mishra's aim with this collection is to infuse a "touch of something special" into everyday wardrobe staples like T-shirts, making them effortlessly wearable compared to couture pieces. While these pieces may not have required thousands of hours of artisanal work, they feature stylized embellishments and intricate latticed and pleated designs, elevating them beyond the ordinary.
The collection is complemented by a stunning array of jewellery crafted from sterling silver and recycled brass, along with handcrafted bags from Manipur adorned with kauna grass weaves and hand-embroidered motifs. The accompanying shoes are also crafted with care and attention to detail.
Interestingly, Rahul Mishra's journey in fashion began with a ready-to-wear label that artfully combined his Indian heritage with European cuts and tailoring. This fusion was the catalyst for his initial international success, establishing his presence on the global fashion stage.
In light of the fact that Mishra's eponymous couture label is on the path to becoming India's first billion-dollar homegrown fashion brand, the decision to collaborate with Reliance Brand Limited (RBL) for the creation of a more accessible brand appears strategically sound.
"I never want to be a moment in fashion," declared Mishra on Instagram while introducing his new ready-to-wear label. Only time will reveal the future trajectory of AFEW.
The AFEW collection will soon be available at Rahul Mishra's flagship stores and on the label's official website, promising a fresh dimension of accessible luxury for fashion enthusiasts.