On day 1 of Paris Couture Week 2026, Rahul Mishra unveiled the ‘Alchemy’ collection, exploring five elements, time and exquisite craft.
Rahul Mishra is back at Paris Couture Week with Alchemy, a poetic collection inspired by the five elements of nature, marrying intricate craft work with philosophy and modern luxury. A quiet yet powerful showcase of couture, the Spring 2026 collection talks about cosmic memory, ancient philosophy and human touch. The designer created a narrative that slowed time—a story that felt deliberate and thoughtfully sensorial.
At the heart of Alchemy is the ancient Indian philosophy of panchabhuta—earth, water, fire, air and space. But these elements are not merely used as design motifs but as tactile experiences. Ether (akasha) is portrayed by fluid silhouettes that seemed never-ending, while Air (vayu) was crafted with weightless structures and movement-led draping. Fire (agni) was signified with molten textures, while Water (apas) flowed with reflective surfaces.
Like last year, Rahul Mishra collaborates with Tanishq to enhance his designs on the runway. As the jewellery partner, Tanishq’s Desert Diamond collection is a perfect companion to the couturier’s vision.
Discussing his vision for the collection, Mishra delves deeper, referencing Carl Sagan’s idea that the elements of our bodies were formed inside collapsing stars. “When you look at it scientifically, it’s not just philosophy. It’s a fact. At a quantum level, the human body is almost empty space. And in that tiny fraction of matter, you have earth, water, air, and fire. That’s what gives us physical form,” he says.
Olandria Carthen, the Love Island sensation, made an appearance at the Rahul Mishra show in a gold piece from his last year’s collection Becoming Love.
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