Abhinav Mishra is a visionary, a designer, and a decor expert who loves enjoying the best of both worlds. His luxury designer label Abhinav Mishra is one of India’s fastest-growing designer brands, and his designs are a reflection of the constantly evolving, dynamic, and diverse India that we live in.  Launched in 2014, his eponymous label celebrates the complex relationship that fashion and the country’s rich crafts share, creating clothes for the young globally inclined Indian women, who are in tune with the international sensibilities of fashion and style while being honest to their own ethnic aesthetic. Originally from Allahabad, Abhinav is also a partner at Rani Pink, a renowned wedding decor company. In conversation with TMM, Abhinav talks about his eternal inspiration, design aesthetics, and his latest mid-summer capsule collection.

Innovation and rich crafts of India define Abhinav Mishra as a designer. How and when designing as a profession happen to you?
I was always interested in design and art, even as a child. That love only grew as I grew older. This led me to study fashion at Wigan and Leigh College in Lucknow. I was also always extremely interested in decoration and that love helped me be a part of Rani Pink (The décor company I co-own). In 2014, I started with my own label ‘Abhinav Mishra’ which was an amalgamation of all the things I love: design, weddings, and contemporary brides who are still traditional in their own way. The fact that all of it can come together in such a gorgeous way leaves me stunned till today. I started supplying through my own store as well as online until around 2 years back when our label started being appreciated on a mainstream platform. In 2017, we opened a larger bridal store in Delhi called ‘Leela’, a tribute to my mother who till today is very hard-working and lives her life with utmost grace and in 2019 I opened my flagship store at Dhan Mill, New Delhi. Today, the Abhinav Mishra label is available across online portals and we supply across the world to over 45 countries, we are also strategically placed in the best multi-designer physical stores across the globe.

When it comes to designing, what inspires you the most and why?
A person who influences me the most is my mother, after whom I named my new bridal store, Leela, who has always been my inspiration to do better. She is a living example of somebody I truly admire for since I can remember. Places like Lucknow and Jaipur inspire me, which are reflected in my designs. Also, I derive a lot of inspiration from the design and decor spaces and a lot of ideas germinate when planning huge setups for weddings. The creative process is delightful and having two different jobs compliments each other and the end result is very exciting.

My aim with every collection is to create original products. I think I come from a different school of thought, that doesn’t endorse mass production. I oversee my production myself; my co-workers are also karigars and masterjis. Any Abhinav Mishra outfit that you see has been created right in front of me with my utmost involvement and personal guidance.

You started your career in the decor and events industry. What is more satisfying, designing clothes or organizing and managing events?
This is a very tough question and a very conscious decision I made very early in my career, that I’d like to be a part of both. It is equally gratifying to be a part of decor and events as well as work as a designer and a couturier. Working in weddings is what truly excites me, so the entire process of putting together a wedding is what keeps me going and that is what my true passion is. So it’s a very difficult choice to make, so I would like to keep doing both.

Tell us about your latest mid-summer capsule collection.
The mid-summer collection with the Sufi sisters celebrates the bond of sisterhood & bridesmaids, supporting, protecting, and nurturing each other through all times. My vision for this collection was to transport ourselves to a beautiful idyllic courtyard, surrounded by lush greens and cascading florals. Pastels, ivories, and beiges, with our signature mirror-work, create an aura of retro glam and lend timeless elegance.

 How do you see social media as a tool for branding and marketing?

Since we are a young brand, we’ve always been very active on social media and digital platforms, so virtual shopping has always been a facility we offer. We have now started promoting that even more, consumers are happy to have the personalized experience of viewing our collections in the comfort of their home. Our team is readily available to address queries and help customers make the right decision for the outfit. I’m also on Zoom/Google video calls on appointments to personalize the experience of buying from Abhinav Mishra.

You have worked with a lot of celebrities. Have you ever felt the pressure of dressing up a public figure? How do you handle stress at work?
Frankly, the pressure is tremendous because someone trusts you and is willing to wear your outfit. All these celebrities have a large following and as a brand, I want to showcase my best work. One drawback is that since we are in Delhi and most of the celebrities are in Bombay, so we have to make sure that the fit is absolutely perfect. However, when you see the celebrity in your outfit, it’s all worth it

If given a chance to dress an international figure in ethnic Abhinav Mishra style, who will he/she be?
I feel Lady Gaga and Amal Clooney would look gorgeous in my creations, would be fun to work with them, perhaps soon.