Rahul Mishra took a deep dive into the magnificent world of insects (fireflies, moths, dragonflies) and reptiles.
“The insect kingdom faces the greatest threat,” he said, stressing that its survival depends on biodiversity, which is declining.
Mishra pointed out that the minds of human beings have been conditioned to dislike such creatures. But for him they are beautiful “superheroes”, hence the name he chose for this season's collection.
“Whose world is it? They have arrived 300 million years before us,” she reasoned. “Every day, they're either endangered or extinct, and no one talks about it.”
The designer referenced DH Lawrence's “Serpent,” in which the narrator belatedly realizes that the creature is “a king in exile.” The poem became Mishra's show notes.
For his dazzling garments, Mishra not only borrowed the colors of insects and reptiles, but painstakingly recreated their hand-embroidered shapes.
“How do you react when you see a life-sized lizard on a garment?” she asked. “We're trying to create as realistic a snake or dragonfly as possible.”
Their show opener was a model headed by a large black circle (think petri dish) on which a giant embroidered firefly was pinned, decorating her black dress. Another look involved colorful encircled moths, most of which are endangered.
An Indian window lattice pattern adorned numerous looks, such as gold dresses and jackets, as Mishra recalled such windows inviting insects into homes in years past.
It was a sumptuous, often form-fitting collection of regal dresses, trousers and capes. The colorful moth embellished jeans were worn with a shiny black bandeau top. Another pair appeared to be immersed in molten metal.
Mishra's palette also stood out with shades like raspberry, lime green and deep blue. They were bold, as was her message.
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