The aquatic theme of this gown is the designer’s ongoing commentary on environmental crisis and a continuation of his earlier couture collection inspired by his first diving experience. The tiers of colourful marine life hand-embroidered on mint coloured organza reflects the designer’s fascination with the ecology of coral reefs, which prompted him to create this ‘Butterfly People’ couture collection to reflect on the need for harmonious relationship between human and nature.Designer Rahul Mishra likewise created an ecology of kaarigars (artisans such as embroiderers) in his fashion business by creating even more elaborate designs such that he could provide a source of livelihood for the more than 100 craftspeople that he engaged despite severe unemployment in India. He decentralised the process of production by encouraging kaarigars to reverse migrate from cities to their villages – working to the advantage of the lockdown. With his background in design thinking, he incorporates traditional heritage into couture as a solution to sustainable craft and socially-inclusive business amidst the pandemic crisis.
