Rahul Mishra's 'Devi' Collection Brings Indian Sculptures to Paris
Indian designer Rahul Mishra presented his 'Devi' collection at Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026-27, transforming the runway into a temple of Indian artistry. Inspired by ancient stone figures, the collection featured intricate embroidery techniques such as zardozi and dabka, along with stones, beads, and crystals. These elements created a trompe-l'œil illusion, making garments appear carved from stone rather than stitched from fabric. Mishra's guest, Isha Ambani, wore an exquisitely embroidered bodice resembling layered temple jewellery and fluid saree-inspired pleats mimicking the folds of weathered stone sculptures, celebrating India's rich artisanal heritage through contemporary haute couture.
Jonathan Anderson's Dior Tribute to Lynda Benglis
Rahul Mishra was not the only Indian designer making waves. For Christian Dior's haute couture collection, creative director Jonathan Anderson—fresh from designing Taylor Swift's wedding dress—paid homage to American sculptor Lynda Benglis. The striking look featured a sharply tailored emerald jacquard jacket, knotted at the waist, paired with an ethereal pleated ivory skirt evoking fresh fern leaves. The ensemble reflected Anderson's artistic vision, blending sculpture and fashion.
Manish Malhotra's Emotional Debut with 'Maa' Collection
Manish Malhotra made his Paris Haute Couture Week debut with 'Maa,' a deeply personal collection dedicated to his mother, Sudarshan Malhotra, who passed away on March 19 at the age of 94. Conceived as a tribute to unconditional maternal love, the collection showcased masterful craftsmanship. A sculptural ivory drape reimagined traditional silhouettes as wearable art, adorned with classical-inspired sculpted figures of mother and child, celebrating India's artisanal heritage through a contemporary lens.
Elie Saab's 'The Ball of Untamed Dreams' Defies Reality
Elie Saab's Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026-27 collection, 'The Ball of Untamed Dreams,' dissolved the boundaries between reality and fantasy. A show-stopping scarlet gown with a voluminous feathered skirt and sculpted strapless bodice embodied couture at its most theatrical. A dramatic crimson mask added an air of mystery. Rich in texture and movement, the look captured Saab's signature celebration of femininity while showcasing impeccable craftsmanship and extravagant artistry.
Iris van Herpen's 'Sonic Starquakes' Presents Futuristic Vision
Iris van Herpen's 'Sonic Starquakes' brought a surreal, otherworldly vision to the Paris runway. Against a mist-filled backdrop, a model wore an ethereal gown with sculptural embellishments, flowing metallic fabrics, and wave-like patterns that seemed to move with every step. Blending haute couture with art, science, and innovation, the collection captured van Herpen's fascination with movement, nature, and futuristic craftsmanship, creating a dreamlike chapter for the Paris couture season.
