Head of Design
Xiaomi AutoTianyuan LI is the Head of Design at Xiaomi Auto, where he leads the brand's global design strategy to integrate advanced technology with automotive artistry. Before joining Xiaomi in 2021 to build its automotive design team from the ground up, he distinguished himself as the first Chinese car designer at BMW's global headquarters, serving as Senior Exterior Design Expert for the BMW i and M series and directing the design of the flagship electric SUV BMW iX and the BMW i Vision Circular concept car. At Xiaomi, he has overseen the development of groundbreaking production models like the Xiaomi SU7 series and conceptual achievements such as the SkyNomad and the Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo concept car. Guided by a philosophy that prioritises emotional connections between people and vehicles, his work focuses on human-centred utility and timeless, sustainable aesthetics that transcend fleeting design trends.
Founder & Creative Director
Rahul Mishra
Rahul MISHRA, a pioneering Indian designer, is renowned for integrating traditional craftsmanship with global haute couture. He made history as the first Indian designer invited to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week, following his 2014 International Woolmark Prize win. In 2023, the French government also honoured him with the “Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” for his contributions.
MISHRA champions "mindful luxury," using fashion as a force for empowerment. Through his couture line and ready-to-wear brand, AFEW Rahul Mishra (AFEW), he creates sustainable employment for over a thousand Indian artisans. His work has drawn acclaim from industry legends; fashion critic and former International Vogue editor Suzy Menkes calls him a “national treasure.” AFEW offers effortless luxury inspired by nature's elements—Air, Fire, Earth, and Water—blending timeless style with modern wearability. Both his couture and ready-to-wear collections are available at his flagship stores in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Hyderabad, and through international retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, cementing his influence on the global fashion stage.
The inaugural DFA Asian Design Vanguard 2025 celebrates Rahul MISHRA as a visionary who is redefining the fashion industry, proving that design can be a powerful vehicle for social change, cultural preservation, and ecological responsibility. By creating a sustainable bridge between Indian artisans and the global fashion market, he demonstrates how luxury can be both beautiful and benevolent. His work offers a compelling blueprint for a more conscious and interconnected design future.
