A red-crowned crane native to East Asia takes flight against a background of colourful clouds. Sighting of the rare, endangering bird recalls how Mishra observed the return of butterflies and wildlife amidst the pandemic, prompting him to create this ‘Butterfly People’ couture collection to reflect on the need for harmonious relationship between human and nature.During the pandemic, he created 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 (artisans such as embroiderers) 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.
