The Rahul Mishra x Tod’s collaboration is a seven-year odyssey of craftsmanship and creativity one that does not merely blend Indian and Italian styles but redefines what global fashion can be. In an exclusive conversation with Lifestyle Asia India, the designer uncovers his vision of a global Indian aesthetic and his journey to get there.
The Rahul Mishra collaboration is an exciting part of Tod’s Factory (or T-Factory), a creative initiative launched by the esteemed Italian brand in 2018. This innovative project showcases Tod’s deep-rooted commitment to craftsmanship and its storied heritage by inviting both celebrated and emerging designers to explore and reinterpret the brand’s iconic DNA. Through exclusive capsule collections and limited-edition pieces, these designers have the unique chance to collaborate with skilled artisans from the Marche region of Italy, where Tod’s storied factories are located. T-Factory has featured contributions from distinguished names such as Alber Elbaz, Palm Angels, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Hender Scheme, and Mame Kurogouchi, each bringing their own vision to life while honouring Tod’s rich tradition of exceptional craftsmanship. With a 100-year-old legacy as a brand known for handcrafted skilled Italian artisanship, the Rahul Mishra x Tod’s collaboration is another feather in its cap that seamlessly blends Indian artistry with Italian luxury.
Rahul Mishra
The journey and joy of creating the Rahul Mishra x Tod’s collaboration:
The inception
The seed of the collaboration between Rahul Mishra and Tod’s was planted in 2017 after meticulous planning and a shared passion for craftsmanship. “I remember after my September show at Paris Fashion Week in 2017, I travelled to Milan and then took a train to their headquarters in Ancona, Italy,” recalls Mishra.
At Ancona, he was introduced to a new world of luxury fashion. “The main factory and studio are located there. I met Mr. Diego Della Valle, who owns Tod’s, as well as brands like Schiaparelli, Roger Vivier, and Hogan. They have created a sort of village setup, with one of the largest studios you can imagine. The scale and sophistication of their studio were impressive.” Mishra was particularly struck by Tod’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship and quality. “I was surprised to learn that, unlike many major brands that outsource production to places like China, Vietnam, or Turkey, Tod’s makes many of their products by hand. Their Gommino shoes and classic bags are largely handmade. The emphasis they place on craftsmanship and value creation is significant.”
“We first met Rahul Mishra a few years ago and were immediately impressed by his exceptional creativity. Our discussions about a potential collaboration began about a year ago, driven by our shared values of craftsmanship and quality. The ‘Rahul Mishra X Tod’s’ collection is an integral part of Tod’s Factory, where established and emerging designers explore and offer their perspectives on Tod’s heritage. This initiative grants them unique access to Tod’s artisans in the Marche region of Italy, leading to the creation of exclusive capsule collections and limited-edition pieces,” notes Tod’s General Manager, Carlo Alberto Beretta.
On the long wait
Rahul Mishra receives many collaboration requests but selects only one in a hundred. This particular opportunity stayed with him because of his experience with the brand and his desire to perfect it in his own way. The collaboration took time to develop due to the challenges of integrating hand embroidery with Tod’s products. “The detailed hand embroidery on bags and shoes was a challenge, and it took us a couple of years to be ready for the collaboration.” COVID-19 further delayed progress, but by 2023, work on the designs resumed. Mishra set up a new unit in his Noida studio to manage the complex project, with production taking time from sampling to final dispatch. The last dispatch was completed in June/July 2024, and the items are now available at Tod’s stores in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata, as well as online on Ajio, and at Rahul Mishra boutiques and website.
What’s on offer?
The Rahul Mishra x Tod’s collection is part of the Tod’s Factory initiative and includes reimagined versions of classics like the Gommino, the Di Bag, and a range of Tod’s T Timeless accessories for both men and women. Launching at London Fashion Week, the collection will be available worldwide. Highlighting the tactile challenges and complexity of craft, Mishra noted: “The goal was to maintain the leather’s elasticity and fit while incorporating detailed embroidery.” He explained that each item, from the Gommino to the Di-Bag and T Timeless accessories, features intricate motifs that showcase a fusion of Indian artistry and international sophistication. “Rahul Mishra reinterpreted Tod’s iconic products such as the Gommino, the Di Bag and the T Timeless accessories, combining the best of both worlds; craftsmanship, quality and modern design, making Tod’s products ‘couture accessories’, through his exquisite embroideries,” highlights Beretta.
Fact sheet
Sharing insights into the embroidery and detailing on Tod’s pieces, Mishra pointed out, “We spent about seven years from initial discussions to completion, incorporating our signature motifs such as tigers, parrots, trees of life, and lotuses into the designs. Each piece became a canvas for intricate detailing, making the embroidery stand out prominently.” He added, “Unlike clothing, where motifs are larger, the scale of accessories like shoes and bags necessitates more precise and detailed work. These pieces are not only highly detailed but also exceptionally durable. Hand embroidery is becoming increasingly rare, and with the craftsmanship involved, these products are expected to appreciate significantly over time.”
India x Italy = International
Rahul Mishra described his approach to merging Indian craftsmanship with Italian artisanal traditions with the singular goal of creating a global connection with Indian aesthetics. “If modern French, Italian, or Japanese aesthetics can be international, why not modern Indian aesthetics?” he remarked. Mishra highlighted that the collaboration aimed to blend Indian embroidery skills with Italy’s expertise in bag-making, creating pieces that are both distinctly Indian and globally appealing.
This ideology is something Rahul Mishra feels extremely strongly about. “Why shouldn’t something very Indian be considered international?” he muses. “This is the core of our approach. Even though it may sound cliché, my goal is for every Chinese, American, or anyone else to have a sari-version in their wardrobe. That’s how culture thrives and grows.”
Mishra explained that his collaboration with Tod’s, a major fashion brand, represents a rare opportunity to establish Indian culture as a global norm. “I don’t want to create just another collection inspired by India; I want it to be deeply Indian while also resonating globally,” he said. He highlighted the significance of the project by noting, “This isn’t about gentrifying or diluting cultural symbols but about integrating them into a modern, global context. For instance, our tiger motif, inspired by India’s rich wildlife, isn’t just a decorative element but a reflection of our cultural narrative. It’s about translating deep cultural symbolism into modern designs.”
Where do we go from here?
This blending of cultural elements with modernity continues to be a dominant part of the conversation, and it is evident how passionately Mishra feels about it. “My dream is for every person, regardless of ethnicity, to have something inspired by Indian culture in their wardrobe. It’s about creating a global appreciation for Indian aesthetics while maintaining modern comfort,” he shared. Given this ideology, the Rahul Mishra x Tod’s collaboration represents a significant step toward integrating Indian culture into global fashion in a modern, respectful way, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
All Images: Tod’s.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Publish date : 2024-09-13 00:11:00
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