Indian fashion luminary Rahul Mishra received the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres insignia at an event hosted at the Residence of France in Delhi on September 12. The French government confers this distinction, known as l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters), upon "individuals who have distinguished themselves through their creative contributions to the fields of art, culture, and literature, or for their role in promoting the influence of the arts in France and across the globe." Emmanuel Lenain, the French Ambassador to India, awarded the medal to Rahul Mishra, recognising his illustrious career and strong connection to France.
During his acceptance speech, Mishra, who debuted his ready-to-wear collection at Paris Fashion Week in 2014, expressed his deep humility and dedicated the honour to the community of skilled craftspeople.
"I am deeply humbled to receive the prestigious insignia of 'Chevalier of the Order of Arts & Letters' from the Government of France," said Rahul Mishra in his acceptance speech.
Mishra holds the distinction of being the first Indian designer to clinch the International Woolmark Prize at Milan Fashion Week in 2014. His talents were further showcased when he was invited as a guest designer at the prestigious Paris Haute Couture Week in 2020. That same year, he made history by winning the International Woolmark Prize, an achievement that prompted Suzy Menkes, the then Editor of Vogue International, to dub him "a national treasure." Additionally, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, which exclusively recognises 16 haute couture houses as its members, invited him to display his creations at Paris Haute Couture Week.
Renowned for his fusion of Indian weaves and 3D hand embroidery, Rahul Mishra has been lauded for his dedication to "slow fashion" and ethical, sustainable fashion practices.
"This honour is a validation of our aspirational journey of translating Indian artistry into the fabric of French high couture, and it truly belongs to the incredible team, the countless hearts and hands that touch our creations and realise my imagination into reality," Mishra said.
