Who Is Rahul Mishra? The Indian Designer Behind Ariana Grande’s Emerald Green Gown For ‘Wicked’ Promotions

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Global pop icon Ariana Grande recently wore a custom gown by Indian designer Rahul Mishra for the promotions of Wicked: Part Two. The gown had an emerald-green corset bodice with sequins, metallic threads, and glass beads, paired with a soft blush-pink layered skirt. The combination of colours and textures created a balanced look, moving from strong and structured at the top to soft and flowing at the bottom.

The gradient from emerald to pink captured both elegance and playfulness, reflecting Mishra's focus on craftsmanship and thoughtful design. It was a subtle way to show Indian couture on a global stage.

Photo Credit: Instagram@rahulmishra_7

This look is just one example of Rahul Mishra's journey as a designer from his early beginnings in India to creating garments that resonate on international red carpets and it's worth exploring how his signature style and career path brought him here.

The Meaning Behind the Gown

The emerald-green gown Ariana Grande wore, designed by Rahul Mishra has a story of its own. The bodice, with its sculptural peaks, draws inspiration from the "Emerald City" of 'Wicked: Part Two', while the gradient from deep green to soft blush-pink reflects a blend of strength and softness. The green evokes grandeur and mystique, and the pink adds a touch of grace and warmth. Every detail, from the hand-embroidery to the glass beads and metallic threads, highlights Mishra's focus on craftsmanship, turning the gown into a visual narrative that connects the singer to the world of the film.

Roots And Journey

Born in 1979 in a small village near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Mishra's early life was far removed from fashion runways. After completing a degree in Physics, he shifted to design, studying apparel design at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, where he was recognised as the Best Student Designer. He later advanced his studies at Milan's prestigious Istituto Marangoni.

Mishra debuted his first collection in 2006, experimenting with hand-loomed fabrics and regional textiles. By 2014, he won the International Woolmark Prize, becoming the first Indian designer to do so. Since then, he has been the first Indian designer to be invited to showcase at the official haute couture calendar in Paris.

Signature Style And Philosophy

Mishra's work is defined by three pillars:

• Craft & Textiles: Every garment is a showcase of hand-weaving, embroidery, and traditional techniques, leaving a clear artisan imprint.
• Narrative & Nature: His collections often draw inspiration from the natural world, the cosmos, and life cycles rather than fleeting trends.
• Slow Luxury & Empowerment: Mishra emphasizes sustainability, artisan empowerment, and the value of craftsmanship, framing luxury as participation rather than mere consumption.

These elements converge in his celebrity projects, as seen in the Ariana Grande gown, where handwork and narrative come together for a visual statement.

Global Reach And Notable Works

Beyond Ariana Grande, Mishra has made his mark internationally:

• He dressed international stars like Zendaya in a sari-gown hybrid, blending Indian tradition with global red-carpet aesthetics.
• He collaborated with Italian luxury brand Tod's on a capsule collection, bridging Indian craft and international luxury.
• His couture shows in Paris and plans for showrooms in Paris and the Gulf highlight his expanding global footprint.

What To Watch

• Future celebrity collaborations may continue to explore lean silhouettes or experiment with new forms.
• His ready-to-wear label shows promise in translating couture craftsmanship into more accessible luxury.
• Mishra remains committed to a craft-led approach, ensuring that artisans and traditional techniques are central to his brand's evolution.

Rahul Mishra is more than a designer of dresses; he's a storyteller who merges fantasy, craft, and culture. The emerald-to-pink gown worn by Ariana Grande captures this ethos - balancing fantasy with handcraft, celebrity with artisan work, and India with Hollywood. From a small village near Kanpur to the parades of Paris, Mishra's journey demonstrates that Indian craftsmanship can shine on the global stage without losing its identity.