Rahul Mishra Closes Hyundai India Couture Week 2026 with DEVI, Bringing Paris Haute Couture Home
The closing evening of Hyundai India Couture Week 2026 saw Rahul Mishra and Divya Bhatt Mishra present DEVI, a couture presentation that moved beyond the traditional runway through live performance, music, and craftsmanship.
By Seema Dhawan
Fresh from unveiling DEVI at Paris Haute Couture Week, Rahul Mishra brought the collection to India in association with Nexxus New York. Staged at the closing of Hyundai India Couture Week 2026, the presentation unfolded beyond the conventional runway, allowing guests to experience the collection at close range. Sobhita Dhulipala opened the finale in a temple-inspired couture ensemble before a live shringar ceremony completed her transformation into DEVI, closing the presentation on one of its most memorable images.
Before the presentation began, guests and members of the media were invited to preview the collection up close. Viewing the garments at arm’s length revealed details that would have been impossible to appreciate from a runway seat. Intricate embroidery, sculptural construction, and meticulously hand-finished embellishments reflected the precision of Rahul Mishra’s atelier, where every element was executed with remarkable care.
Inside the venue, the presentation unfolded as a living installation rather than a conventional runway. Models remained stationed throughout the space, allowing guests to move between them and observe every garment from different perspectives. The format shifted the focus from fleeting runway moments to the precision of the embroidery, the structure of each silhouette, and the intricate finish of every look.
Inspired by the sculptural beauty of ancient Indian temple art, DEVI explored the dialogue between heritage and contemporary couture. Rahul Mishra drew from temple architecture, centuries-old craftsmanship, and India’s artistic traditions, translating these influences into sculptural silhouettes, fluid drapery, and intricately layered embroidery. His signature ektaarka technique added remarkable depth and dimension to every garment while preserving the fluidity that defines his couture.
The presentation continued with Rahul Mishra’s Festive Couture collection, where floral embroidery, intricate zardozi, hand-painted textiles, and sculptural silhouettes offered a contemporary take on bridal and occasion wear. Select looks were paired with high jewelry created in collaboration with Tanishq Natural Diamonds, bringing together couture and fine jewelry through a shared appreciation of Indian craftsmanship.
The finale began with a live tribute to the divine feminine. As classical dancers filled the space, Sobhita Dhulipala entered in an ivory-and-champagne couture ensemble inspired by India’s ancient temple sculptures.
She wore a temple-inspired mesh corset layered with necklace embroidery inspired by the intricate carvings of the Ajanta Caves. A crystal-embellished belt defined the waist, while asymmetric ivory satin drapes softened the silhouette, introducing movement without diminishing its sculptural quality.
As classical music filled the space, performers gathered around Sobhita, draping her in a sheer champagne-toned overskirt embellished with crystals and sequins. Each layer was added in full view of the audience as part of the live shringar ceremony, showcasing the craftsmanship and meaning behind the final look. Sobhita stood beneath the lights in her completed couture ensemble, every element of the look now in place. She emerged as Rahul Mishra’s DEVI, bringing the collection’s inspiration into powerful focus.
The look was completed with a Magnolia-inspired couture hair accessory created by Rahul Mishra in collaboration with Nexxus New York. Developed with hair artist Flavien Heldt, the bespoke headpiece extended the collection’s design language beyond the garments, carrying the same craftsmanship and detailing into the final element of the look.
Reflecting on DEVI, Rahul Mishra said the collection began with a question inspired by an ancient sculpture: What gives stone the appearance of life? His answer was embroidery—built patiently, layer by layer, until thread acquired the depth, texture, and presence of sculpture. He also acknowledged the artisans and young designers whose skill brought each creation to life.
For Sobhita Dhulipala, closing the showcase was an experience she described as “electric.” She spoke of stepping into Rahul Mishra’s interpretation of DEVI, where couture, performance, and artistry came together in a moment she said would remain with her for years to come.
Closing the week, FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi described Rahul Mishra’s showcase as a fitting finale to Hyundai India Couture Week 2026. He noted that the presentation celebrated Indian couture through creativity and innovation while also marking the beginning of FDCI’s association with Nexxus New York.
Watch Sobhita Dhulipala’s live shringar transformation in our exclusive video from the presentation, captured by Retro Pop Lifestyle.
Show Credits
Styling: Ayesha Amin Nigam
Show Directors: Asha Kochhar & Vidyun Singh
Backstage Management: Pujan Sharma & Dilip
Model Manager: Udit Jain
Key Hair & Makeup Artist: Anu Kaushik
Lighting Design: Llyod Albuquerque
Show Music: Jayant Luthra
Photography: Shivamm Pathak & Vidushi Pathak
Videography: Paraffin / Nitish Kanjilal
Set Design & Production: NConsolidated
Press (Longform): Longform
Floral Arrangements: Punanya Virmani
VIP Relations: Fetch
Sobhita Dhulipala’s Hair: Flavien Heldt
Sobhita Dhulipala’s Makeup: Shraddha Luthra
