Was Sonam’s Gaultier gown at Cannes inspired by India?

More so, by desi designer Rahul Mishra’s Maheshwari collection showcased in 2008. Here are some striking similarities...

Surely, we’ve all heard of Indian designers ripping off international designs and reinventing them here. But it’s seldom that one gets to see a reverse inspiration in place. And so, when actress Sonam Kapoor made her debut at the Cannes film festival recently, looking absolutely elegant in a black and white Jean Paul Gaultier gown with a French tulle sheer drape waist down, fashionistas back home in India felt a definite designer Rahul Mishra’s touch in it. Incidentally, Rahul had showcased similar designs in Maheshwari textile in the year 2008 at the Spring/Summer season of the Mumbai Fashion Week. Incidentally, Gaultier’s Summer couture line in 2009 had similar offerings. And finally, when Sonam walked the red carpet at Cannes in a white and black bordered French tulle sheer drape gown, the ‘Indian borders’ inspiration was evident.
Rahul, a promising designer based in the city was only too flattered with the striking resemblance as the design fraternity started pouring in
complimentary messages on inspiring works of a design expert like Gaultier. Says Rahul, “In my opinion, Sonam has carried the Gaultier gown very beautifully and it looked absolutely stunning. I have always worked with Indian textiles in the past and borders have always been an integral part of Indian textiles. Indian fabrics are so beautiful that they can inspire any one in the world and Indian aesthetics are open to be used by anyone globally. Gaultier’s designs being similar to mine, sounds surreal to me. But it’s a great feeling that both Gaultier and me found inspiration in the same design sensibility. Others can see the designs and judge.”

Girl with the blue scarf says: Gaultier has been inspired by India in many of his past collections. Rahul’s Maheshwari collection way back in 2008 was appreciated in some internation journals.
Whether Gaultier’s designs for Sonam’s red carpet gown was truly inspired by India or by Rahul’s 2008 collection, remains an open discussion. Yet the striking similarities between the city designer’s drapes have placed Indian designs on the world map and how.