Innovative and artistic, designer, Abhinav Mishra, is known for his signature mirror work and gotta patti detailing which never fails to impress. From starting his career in decor and events, Abhinav is now one of the most popular designers in India along with being a partner for a leading wedding decor company, Rani Pink. His creations celebrate the rich crafts of India, which creating ensembles for the Indian woman of today, who is in tune with international sensibilities of fashion, and style while being honest to their ethnic aesthetic. Abhinav’s design ideology can be best described as an amalgamation of traditional and contemporary silhouettes with an underlying mystical and romantic aesthetic to it.
He started his eponymous label in 2015 and recently had his first-ever fashion show in the national capital. Abhinav Mishra showcased his new collection, Mehzabeen. The show was dazzling, shimmery, dreamy and ethereal. The grandeur of the set was beautifully complimented by his signature mirror work creations and timeless silhouettes.
Opulence was truly served, and we’re in love. Vibrant hues, gorgeous mirror work, shararas and lehengas characterised the lineup. Creative director at Rani Pink, Abhinavs designs have always favoured the ever so grand mirror work and the show brought to life the same sensibilities. The stunning Sonam Kapoor closed the show in a beautiful pink mirror work lehenga. After an extremely successful show, Abhinav has secured a top spot when it comes to Indian bridal wear.
We caught up with the extremely talented designer to know what inspires his creations.
1. Tell us about your collection?
This collection has an extensive colour palette across mustard yellow, rani pink, powder blue, ivory, and deep tones of maroon red, emerald green, sapphire blue and more. This collection features a stunning and wide colour palette across lehengas, anarkalis and shararas with our classic mirror work intricately woven.
2. Describe your collection in three words.
Traditional yet youthful. Mirror work and bright colours perfectly describe my collection.
3. Your favourite piece from the collection and why?
It's hard to select one but the most favourite has to be Sonam's outfit. This outfit was specially made for her, we worked with traditional gota and mirror work and paired the two beautifully.
4. The best way to accessorise these ensembles?
In my collection, mirror work, in general, makes the attire look much heavier and richer especially by pairing it with nice jewellery and accessories. But the trick to picking the right accessory can play a crucial role in enhancing the glam look, traditional polki and bold statement earrings look just perfect.
5. Tell us about your journey as a fashion designer and your signature style?
I started my career in 2014 designing clothes for young women who desire a fresh outlook. I always loved the eclectic display of fashion at these weddings and how beautiful heirloom saris and lehengas were passed on and preserved for generations. As a child, I saw my mother's trunk full of Banarasi saris and her heirloom pieces and that made me want to be a part of this heritage and create my legacy. I have used mirror work since the beginning. The handcraft has, in many ways, become my signature as I use it in different ways in all my designs. I have used it to create de-constructed motifs, with gota and silk threads and even with prints. It plays a very important role in all my collections and represents my brand identity because I've also aimed to adapt it to modern silhouettes.
6. A celebrity who carries your ensembles with immense grace and poise?
Sonam for sure looked so graceful in my ensemble. I’m still in awe of how beautiful she looked on the runway at our first ever show and she pulls it off like nobody else! She looked like a true queen and took us to another moment in time, the outfit is made especially for her and so I’m very happy that it all worked out so well.
7. What does style mean to you?
According to me, style is creating clothes that have international sensibilities of fashion while being honest to their ethenic aesthetic.
8. The biggest trends and colours for the festive season this year?
The Indian festive season is famous for being filled with bright colours like mustard yellow, emerald green, rani pink and maroon red. Shararas and anarkalis with a pop of colour are trending this season.
9. What does the Abhinav Mishra bride look like?
An Abhinav Mishra bride is a reflection of the budding new India - vivid, dynamic, lively but elegantly grounded to their history and traditions. She is fearless and confident, making a difference to the world with her humble and culturally rooted nature. The Abhinav Mishra woman is also someone who’s fun and most likely the life of the party.
10. A piece of advice for all the brides to be while picking their wedding function outfits?
Every bride has their style and prefers to dress according to her personality. The bridal outfit is very crucial for every bride and they want to look perfect on their special day. It's advised to start the hunt 3 months in advance so that the bride knows exactly what she's looking for.
11. A timeless Indian silhouette which will never go out of style?
I feel lehengas will never go out of style and looks beautiful when worn at an evening ceremony.
12. Maximalist or minimalist?
Maximalist
He wows us with his creations every time, and we can't get enough. Don't you agree?