Rahul Mishra has done it again, constantly raising the bar for us all, and doing it flawlessly. Like the brand’s last internet-breaking collection, Rahul Mishra’s most recent Spring 2024 Couture show, entitled “Superheroes”, was on everyone’s feeds. With garments centered around all things creepy, crawly, and captivating, celebrities like Janelle Monae took an immediate interest. The insectually intriguing concept revolves around our perception of bugs and amphibians. The show centers around awareness, emphasizing the fact that we’re surrounded by billions of breathtaking creatures we constantly take for granted. Mishra wants the audience to question their preconceived notions, instead of fear he wants us to be in awe. To him, insects are beautiful beings with incredible powers.
Nearly every garment perfectly executed this concept. The opening look consisted of a simple black mini dress with a gigantic glittering petri dish and a realistically beaded dragonfly floating in front of the garment. Everyone in attendance was stunned, and the tone was set, expect artistry and craftsmanship of the highest level. Another circular garment soon followed, decorated with precisely placed sequins meant to mimic the mesmerizing rays of light that winged insects flock to in the nighttime. Other stunners included a lime green dragonfly-studded cape, a silvery bridal dress with lattice detailing, and my personal favorite, a floor-length lamp headdress that is everything the Pixar mascot will never be (sorry Luxo Jr.). Some looks were more understated, yet nevertheless magnificent, with a moth placement mini dress reminiscent of Valentino’s Spring 2024 Ready to Wear line.
Though the tulle looks weren’t as strong, there was only one major miss. The strapless black evening gown with sheer paneling. It fell awkwardly and was giving Windsor prom dress, feeling like a disjointed addition. Maybe Mishra needed a last-minute filler piece, but even so, the dress paled in comparison to the rest of the collection. However, it hardly dampened my spirits. As the show closed and I went to compose my thoughts, I was left with a newfound appreciation for the complex creatures that have inhabited this earth; my brain, hanging on Mishra’s words, “I seek to not just appreciate the beauty or the vividness of the insect kingdom but also challenge our whole conditioning/education towards how we treat insects & feel the emotions otherwise coming from a primal notion of fear”.
Words by Miia Popovics.
Graphic by Aubrey Lauer.