The brand Abhinav Mishra has established itself as one of India’s leading innovative and artistic label that celebrates the rich crafts of India. The designer Abhinav Mishra keeps the Indian woman of today in mind while designing. He fuses international sensibilities of fashion and style with our country’s own ethnic aesthetics.
Abhinav Mishra has curated ensembles for leading actors of the country including Sonam Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Parineeti Chopra and even Bhumi Pednekar.
We recently had a fun conversation with the designer to know more about his work, collections, and the ideation process.
Excerpts
Q. What is your ethos and ideology behind designing the garments?
A. I aim at modernising Indian craftsmanship by infusing fresh upbeat aesthetics into traditional artisanal methods of creating clothes. I design for the young Indian woman who is a unique amalgamation of the dynamic contemporary world and her Indian heritage. With my designs, I combine the complex relationship that fashion and the country’s rich crafts share. My designs are a reflection of the budding new India- colourful, dynamic, lively but elegantly grounded to their history and traditions. I use fashion as a medium to showcase Indian crafts and techniques in a new light, to achieve this I often use heritage techniques like gota, mirror – work, Lucknowi embroidery and intricate thread-work in my designs. I try to balance the traditional crafts with fresh colours, silhouettes and an understated young aesthetic to create Indian clothes that have contemporary relevance.
Q. Where did you get the inspiration to work with mirrors and what makes mirrors the star element in your designs?
A. I draw inspiration from the rich heritage of India. Mirrors have been an integral part of Indian textiles for centuries, they add opulence, glamour, and vibrancy to my designs, reflecting light and enhancing visual appeal. They celebrate traditional craftsmanship and the transformative power of self-reflection. In a fashion landscape dominated by heavy embroidery, borders, and sequins, mirrors set my designs apart, offering a unique aesthetic that combines tradition with contemporary flair.
Q. What techniques and elements do you accommodate while designing your collections?
A. In my recent collection I’ve used gota and larger sized mirrors. You can see multiple hand techniques and embroideries like french knots, but the gota work is definitely the highlight. The blouses have been handled very intricately with some fun twists here and there, the colours are also very striking this time!
Q. Most of your designs have an earthy, subtle, pastel colour palette. What is the idea behind that?
A. The idea behind my earthy, subtle, pastel colour palette is to create a sense of understated elegance and timeless beauty. I believe that soft, muted tones have a captivating charm that can be both sophisticated and soothing. These colours allow the intricate craftsmanship and exquisite detailing of the garments to take centre stage, without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. The earthy, pastel hues also evoke a sense of tranquillity and harmony, creating a serene and ethereal aura. Ultimately, my colour palette aims to create a balance between modernity and tradition, offering brides and clients a refined and graceful look.
Q Brides and wedding festivities are associated with the quintessential reds and pinks. But many brides opt for your creations, more so often in creams and whites. Do you think the trend of reds and pinks is changing?
A I have observed a significant shift in the colour choices of brides, particularly when it comes to their wedding ensembles. While reds and pinks have traditionally been associated with bridal wear in Indian culture, there is undoubtedly a changing trend. Many modern brides are embracing creams and whites, seeking a contemporary and elegant look for their special day.
This shift can be attributed to a desire for uniqueness and personal style expression. Brides are now exploring a broader range of colours, including pastels, neutrals, and even unconventional shades. This evolving trend reflects a growing preference for individuality and experimentation, as brides strive to create a distinct and memorable bridal look that aligns with their personality and taste.
Q You recently opened a new store in Chhatarpur. What all elements have you used to align the store with your collections?
A My store brilliantly captures the essence of Mughal architecture, infusing it with my signature pieces and my collection. The store exudes opulence and grandeur, adorned with intricate mirror work that reflects the rich heritage. Long ceilings draw the eyes upward, evoking a sense of space and magnificence. The arches accentuate the overall design, transporting my customers to a bygone era of elegance. Together, these elements harmoniously align the store with my creations, offering patrons an immersive experience that pays homage to the timeless allure of Mughal architecture..
Q Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming collections?
A We have a bridal 2023 collection in production along with more from our resort-wear. We have several surprises lined up for the rest of the year so do stay tuned!
