Rahul Mishra Closes Hyundai India Couture Week 2026 with DEVI, Bringing Paris Haute Couture Home
The final evening of Hyundai India Couture Week 2026 belonged to Rahul Mishra.
Fresh from unveiling DEVI at Paris Haute Couture Week, the designer returned to India with a presentation that reimagined how couture can be experienced. Presented in association with Nexxus New York, the evening moved beyond the conventions of a traditional runway, transforming the venue into an immersive setting where couture, live performance, music, and craftsmanship unfolded as one cohesive experience.
Before the presentation opened, members of the media were invited to preview the collection up close. Seeing the garments at arm’s length revealed a level of craftsmanship that photographs alone could never capture. Every embroidered surface, sculptural detail, and hand-finished embellishment reflected the extraordinary precision of the atelier and the countless hours invested in each creation.
Inside the venue, models were positioned throughout the space rather than walking a conventional runway. Guests moved freely through the installation, discovering every look from different perspectives. The format encouraged a closer appreciation of embroidery, texture, construction, and silhouette, allowing the craftsmanship to take center stage.
Inspired by the timeless beauty of ancient Indian sculpture, DEVI explores the relationship between heritage and contemporary couture. Rahul Mishra drew from temple architecture, centuries-old craftsmanship, and India’s artistic traditions, translating those influences into sculptural silhouettes, fluid drapery, and intricately layered embroidery. His signature ektaarka technique created remarkable depth across every surface, giving the garments an almost sculptural presence while preserving their softness and movement.
The presentation continued with Rahul Mishra’s Festive Couture collection, where floral embroidery, intricate zardozi, hand-painted textiles, and sculptural silhouettes offered a contemporary perspective on bridal and occasion dressing. Select looks were complemented by high jewelry created in collaboration with Tanishq Natural Diamonds, bringing together two houses celebrated for their commitment to exceptional Indian craftsmanship.
The finale unfolded like a living work of art. As classical dancers filled the space in a graceful tribute to the divine feminine, Sobhita Dhulipala emerged with a quiet command that instantly drew every eye. There was a sculptural elegance to her presence—her poise, measured movements, and serene beauty recalling the timeless figures carved into India’s ancient temples, as though a masterpiece from the Ajanta Caves had stepped gracefully into the present.
Rather than appearing in a completed look, her transformation unfolded before the audience. She was first seen in a sculptural ivory-and-champagne ensemble anchored by a temple-inspired mesh corset silhouette. Layered necklace embroidery echoed the intricate carvings of the Ajanta Caves, while a crystal-embellished belt defined the waist and asymmetric ivory satin drapes softened the architectural lines, creating a striking balance between strength and fluidity.
The presentation reached its emotional high point through a live shringar ceremony. Accompanied by classical music, the performers gathered around Sobhita, carefully draping her in a sheer champagne-toned overskirt embellished with crystals and sequins. Watching the look come together in real time shifted our attention beyond the finished garment, revealing the artistry, symbolism, and craftsmanship behind the act of adornment itself.
The look was completed with a Magnolia-inspired couture hair accessory created by Rahul Mishra in collaboration with Nexxus New York. Developed with internationally acclaimed hair artist Flavien Heldt, the sculptural headpiece reflected the collection’s signature craftsmanship while extending its design language beyond the garments.
Reflecting on the collection, Rahul Mishra shared that DEVI began with a simple yet profound question inspired by an ancient sculpture: What gives stone the appearance of life? His answer lay in embroidery, patiently building every surface layer by layer until thread carried the depth and presence of sculpture. He credited the artisans and young designers whose craftsmanship transformed that vision into reality.
For Sobhita Dhulipala, closing the presentation was a moment she described as truly special. Stepping into Rahul Mishra’s vision of DEVI, she said, was “electric”—an experience where couture, artistry, and performance came together in celebration of contemporary Indian fashion, one she will remember for years to come.
FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi described Rahul Mishra’s presentation as a memorable finale to Hyundai India Couture Week 2026, noting that it celebrated the artistry, innovation, and craftsmanship of Indian couture while also marking the beginning of FDCI’s association with Nexxus New York.
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
