“Delhi did not get a single clean air day last year,” says Delhi-based haute couturier Rahul Mishra, and this weighs on his mind. He recently lost his father to lung problems caused by the city’s pollution and has a nine-year-old daughter who constantly questions why she needs to wear a mask.
The designer thinks deeply about man’s impact on the environment, and ideas based on environmental and social responsibility delicately weave their way into his exquisitely embroidered collections.
The messages range from the subtle to the bold and for the collection that he presented at the haute couture shows in Paris last month, which was especially personal with regards to the environment, loss and rebirth as seen in the Hindu belief in the cycle of life. “All my collections are inspired by personal experience,” Mishra explained as we spoke over a crackling connection while he sat on a train between Paris and London a few days after that show.
Ten years after founding his couture house and five years after he was invited onto the official haute couture calendar, Mishra is planning to open an atelier and showroom in Paris for his couture clients, many of whom live in the Gulf. He will be hosting a luxury pop-up in the region this year with plans to open a flagship store here as well.
His ready-to-wear line, a joint venture with Reliance Brands in India, is stocking his effortless floral printed dresses inspired by nature and the landscape exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue in the US. He says it is one of the fastest-selling brands at the store.
Last autumn, he embroidered a collaboration with Tod’s to launch his own handbag range. With the booming economy in India, the 45-year-old designer admits it’s a great time to be an entrepreneur.
A substantial part of his business comes from weddings, which in Indian culture span several days, requiring several changes of outfit – he describes them as the "red carpet" events for people who aren’t celebrities. Although that is not how one would describe billionaire Anant Ambani who wore a custom Verdure bandi embellished with hand-embroidered cranes by Mishra, paired with a kurta and pant set to the Garba evening for his wedding last July to Radhika Merchant.
Bollywood actress Suhana Khan wore a hand-embroidered pastel lehenga set and Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan ordered several pieces from the designer to wear for the wedding. There were other guests in his saris too, including the wife of the founder of an Italian luxury brand, which was a pleasing and discreet endorsement of Mishra’s artistry.
Fans of his lavishly embroidered saris and lehengas (three-piece skirt, blouse and scarf) and menswear include many Bollywood stars such as Priyanka Chopra Jonas, her husband Nick and Deepika Padukone, as well as Gigi Hadid and Zendaya who both wore his pieces for the opening of the Nita Ambani Cultural Centre in 2023.
Zendaya was dressed in a purple floral embroidered saree gown with a gold Flying Cranes bralette while Hadid wore an intricately embroidered trench coat and trousers with a fantastical Himalayan spring floral design that took 2,400 hours to make.
Mishra’s social media is filled with images of brides and celebrities accompanied by descriptions of the intricate embellishment produced by his artisans in studios across India, acknowledging their skills and thousands of hours of painstaking work. He describes his vision of couture as “mindful luxury” – luxury through the lens of participation and not just consumption.
“People love crafted things and that is a very good sign,” he says. He mentions one Dutch bride who, after her wedding, framed her wedding dress as an art piece. “Indian women are not interested in ‘quiet luxury’, they love craftsmanship and are carrying forward the entire legacy. Craft that takes more time to create is much better for the planet and also provides employment.”
He employs 300 people in his atelier on the outskirts of Delhi including embroidery artisans and tailors. The company also works with 1,200 embroiderers and weavers in various craft centres in West Bengal, Madya Pradesh and the Bareilly region in Uttar Pradesh.
One of his main ambitions has been to employ people in rural India so their families can make a living. “We look at the idea of creating slow fashion, at the idea of creating more employment,” he explains. “Everything we produce is handmade. India has the largest population in the world and we look at how what we do can impact trade and create employment.”
Mishra is mindful of his social responsibility as he also grew up in Malhausi, a small village near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh where there was barely any electricity and the school was a mud hut with a thatched roof. He points out that you don’t need electricity for embroiderers and weavers to do their work.
He envisaged being an artist but stumbled on his industry by accident and enrolled on an apparel design programme at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad despite his father’s fury, who hoped Mishra would become an engineer.
Mishra released his debut eponymous ready-to-wear label at Lakme Fashion Week in 2006, subsequently won the annual International Woolmark Prize in 2014 and went to Paris where he became the first Indian to be invited to showcase at the haute couture collections in 2020.
Each season the embroidery does the storytelling, and his latest collection is called The Pale Blue Dot, named after the essay by Carl Sagan about how the Earth is but a speck in the vast cosmic arena.
Sagan says: “Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. On it, everyone you love, everyone you’ve ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives.”
Mishra adds: “In the wake of my father passing, I have been repeatedly confronted with the realisation that we are but a speck in the grand scheme of the cosmos – small, fragile and not in control.”
There is a darkness to this collection which opens with a cloak and dresses 3D-embroidered with black futuristic cityscapes: representing the cities that to Mishra make demands on the environment. “Look at how fragile the eco-system is and at the same time how greedy we all are a people, a species, that we keep taking all the land to build more,” he says.
The story on the catwalk evolves with the Metropolis dresses segueing into a beaded catsuit with embroidered black birds about to take flight. “One of the rituals when my father passed away is that you feed the ravens every day because, in Hindu mythology, they are the messengers of the departed souls, a connection with your ancestors,” he explains.
Various other metaphors are threaded through the design of the embroideries with the tree of life symbolic of renewal and a finale of beautiful, gilded gowns sending a message about the quiet resilience of the Earth and the healing power of mother nature.
It is a philosophical collection that communicates Mishra’s concerns, but as the many brides and celebrities who wear his colourful dresses and saris testify, there is no one like Mishra for championing Indian craftsmanship with such passion and beauty.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
UAE Falcons
Carly Lewis (captain), Emily Fensome, Kelly Loy, Isabel Affley, Jessica Cronin, Jemma Eley, Jenna Guy, Kate Lewis, Megan Polley, Charlie Preston, Becki Quigley and Sophie Siffre. Deb Jones and Lucia Sdao – coach and assistant coach.
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EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)
Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports
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UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
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Spider-Man: No Way Home
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Rating:*****
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
RESULTS
2pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (Dirt) 1,400m. Winner: Masaali, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
2.30pm: Handicap Dh 76,000 (D) 1,400m. Winner: Almoreb, Dane O’Neill, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
3pm: Handicap Dh 64,000 (D) 1,200m. Winner: Imprison, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
3.30pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh 100,000 (D) 1,000m. Winner: Raahy, Adrie de Vries, Jaber Ramadhan.
4pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (D) 1,000m. Winner: Cross The Ocean, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
4.30pm: Handicap 64,000 (D) 1,950m. Winner: Sa’Ada, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash.
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Non-oil%20trade
%3Cp%3ENon-oil%20trade%20between%20the%20UAE%20and%20Japan%20grew%20by%2034%20per%20cent%20over%20the%20past%20two%20years%2C%20according%20to%20data%20from%20the%20Federal%20Competitiveness%20and%20Statistics%20Centre.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIn%2010%20years%2C%20it%20has%20reached%20a%20total%20of%20Dh524.4%20billion.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ECars%20topped%20the%20list%20of%20the%20top%20five%20commodities%20re-exported%20to%20Japan%20in%202022%2C%20with%20a%20value%20of%20Dh1.3%20billion.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EJewellery%20and%20ornaments%20amounted%20to%20Dh150%20million%20while%20precious%20metal%20scraps%20amounted%20to%20Dh105%20million.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERaw%20aluminium%20was%20ranked%20first%20among%20the%20top%20five%20commodities%20exported%20to%20Japan.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETop%20of%20the%20list%20of%20commodities%20imported%20from%20Japan%20in%202022%20was%20cars%2C%20with%20a%20value%20of%20Dh20.08%20billion.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The years Ramadan fell in May
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
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SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Cagliari v AC Milan (6pm)
Lazio v Napoli (9pm)
Inter Milan v Atalanta (11.45pm)
Sunday
Udinese v Sassuolo (3.30pm)
Sampdoria v Brescia (6pm)
Fiorentina v SPAL (6pm)
Torino v Bologna (6pm)
Verona v Genoa (9pm)
Roma V Juventus (11.45pm)
Parma v Lecce (11.45pm)
More coverage from the Future Forum
The biog
Favourite hobby: I love to sing but I don’t get to sing as much nowadays sadly.
Favourite book: Anything by Sidney Sheldon.
Favourite movie: The Exorcist 2. It is a big thing in our family to sit around together and watch horror movies, I love watching them.
Favourite holiday destination: The favourite place I have been to is Florence, it is a beautiful city. My dream though has always been to visit Cyprus, I really want to go there.
The five pillars of Islam
How to register as a donor
1) Organ donors can register on the Hayat app, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention
2) There are about 11,000 patients in the country in need of organ transplants
3) People must be over 21. Emiratis and residents can register.
4) The campaign uses the hashtag #donate_hope
The bio
Job: Coder, website designer and chief executive, Trinet solutions
School: Year 8 pupil at Elite English School in Abu Hail, Deira
Role Models: Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk
Dream City: San Francisco
Hometown: Dubai
City of birth: Thiruvilla, Kerala
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
RESULTS
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: AF Senad, Nathan Crosse (jockey), Kareem Ramadan (trainer)
2.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Ashjaan, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel.
3pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Amirah, Conner Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Jap Al Yaasoob, Szczepan Mazur, Irfan Ellahi.
4pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup Prestige Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Jawaal, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri.
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Manhunter, Ryan Curatolo, Mujeeb Rahman.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
