The culmination of the collaboration of Reliance Brand Limited (RBL) and Indian designer Rahul Mishra – which began in 2022 – is quite spellbinding. Before we shed light on the vision behind the new brand, let us give a glimpse of what AFEW stands for. The name is an acronym representing Air, Fire, Earth, and Water.
The debut easy-to-wear collection was unveiled at the prestigious Palais de Tokyo in Paris, graced by the presence of global retailers, influential figures from the fashion industry, and celebrities alike. While the label name and logo was established through a yearlong interactive design process with Anthony & Stephanie Nash, Mr. Mishra’s mission was to create marvelous art with nature.
Speaking of the achievement, Mr. Mishra said, “With AFEW Rahul Mishra, I am glad to return to creating ‘easy to wear’ fashion after a temporary hiatus from it in my namesake brand in 2020. Our prêt-à-porter line, which was once an anchor for my identity as a designer, led us to the platform of Haute Couture. In AFEW Rahul Mishra, we are thrilled to institute a new global brand from India that is fiercely modern and yet, carries the delicateness of human touch in a way that is more accessible to the consumer.”
Designed under the expert curation of renowned stylist Jenke Tailly, this collection presents a stunning range of women’s apparel, accompanied by a carefully chosen assortment of jewelry, handbags, and footwear. The jewelry pieces are meticulously crafted from sterling silver and eco-friendly recycled brass materials. The handbags are skillfully handcrafted in Manipur, showcasing the intricate ‘kauna grass’ weaves and adorned with meticulously hand-embroidered motifs. The shoes in this collection boast unique embroidered motifs developed in the AFEW Rahul Mishra atelier.
The designer’s new label successfully retains the enduring beauty and vibrancy of India. The visual elements within this collection take the viewer on a captivating journey, presenting painterly interpretations of the majestic Himalayan landscapes, vividly imagined beneath a dynamic and vibrant sky. These artistic renditions are further enhanced by the inclusion of simplified print motifs, which add an element of sophistication and character to each piece.
The youthful silhouettes that grace this collection not only exude a sense of contemporary style but also offer the versatility to suit a wide range of occasions, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a wardrobe that can adapt with grace and ease, from casual gatherings to formal soirées.
The pieces exude a strong sense of individuality through their use of unique, narrative-driven design elements. The designer plays with fabric to give it creative shapes and interpretations. Crafted with the intention of sparking conversations, AFEW bridges the gap between the physical form and function of garments.
In the coming months, AFEW Rahul Mishra will be available on AFEW.RahulMishra.in and at Rahul Mishra flagship stores, followed by exclusive AFEW Rahul Mishra stores in key cities.