2014 will be a year to remember for Rahul Mishra. Recently, the Indian-born designer received the coveted International Woolmark Prize while swimmingly making his mark onto the global fashion scene.

On the eve of his Paris Fashion Week debut show, I met the very discreet Istituto Marangoni graduate at the residence of the Ambassador of India in France. Also there was Didier Grumbach, former Chairman of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Grumbach first noticed Mishra’s exquisite designs in Delhi during India Fashion Week years ago. It was then that the Malhausi native received the invitation to showcase in the world’s fashion capital.

Beneath the elegant envelope read Rumi’s quote, “Love calls—everywhere and always. We’re sky bound. Are you coming?” The fashion world responded with a definite yes. Palais de Tokyo was the following day—steps away from the Eiffel tower and minutes from making history on the last day of Paris Fashion Week, the ambient music came on, and Rahul Mishra finally unveiled his stunning spring/summer 2015 silhouettes of his eponymous line.

The full-to-capacity room was in complete awe before models clothed with so much delicacy and striking sophistication: organza tops, mandarin collar gowns, kimono coats and sheer high-waisted overlaid skirts. The use of Merino wool for many of the pieces gives a touch of modernity to classic designs with traditional embroidery.

“The Ferryman’s Tale” collection is inspired by traditional Japanese artworks and three-century-old Chintz textiles. Mishra draws on his signature palette of ivory, blacks, yellows and grays with delicate-yet-intricate graphic and floral patterns in hand embroidery influenced by his homeland and Far East Asia. “I am like a storyteller in a little boat who travels to different places” said Mishra.

His Paris debut was an ode to femininity and a celebration of humanity. From sourcing materials to producing locally, Mishra’s flourishing brand is built on a sustainable design ethos aiming to preserve and promote India’s traditional craftsmanship and artisans. The designer says, “In the small villages of India I have met craftspeople and makers and now I have sailed to Paris to tell their stories in a new light.”

The show ends and I can barely make it backstage to congratulate the designer. If you ever doubted the existence of karma before, Mishra brilliantly proves that when you give, you receive. We at SOMA eagerly await his return next season; in the meantime, his capsule collection is now available at luxury stores across the globe including SAKS Fifth Avenue, Colette Paris and Harvey Nichols, London.

Text By Sissi Johnson