Rooted in tradition yet contemporary and sophisticated — that’s how one can sum up every creation by bridal couturier Abhinav Mishra. For anyone looking beyond the old-school bridal colour wheel, his is a spectrum of hues such as hot pink, canary yellows, and lime; blouses embellished with decadent mirror work, with quirky tassels adding an extra punch of character.
Mishra, who launched his eponymous label in 2014, has looped in several traditional Indian techniques in bridalwear. From striking chevron stripes on gold and tangerine to the intricate dabka and chikankaari on the base of red, emerald green, sapphire blue, and more, his sense of refined maximal aesthetic speaks volumes. With every collection, he pays an ode to Awadh, a region that is at the focus of his collections.
From Mughal-inspired shararas and layered tulle and lace lehengas to decadent dupattas and floor-grazing anarkalis, shararas and kurta, his offerings are not just for the bride but her sisters and friends too. Take for instance his last collection ‘The Royals’, which comprises pieces inspired by different facets of royalty.
Mishra’s work has not only been embraced by the discerning millennial brides but also some of Bollywood’s leading fashion fixtures such as Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Ananya Panday. All brides-to-be, these are Mishra’s tips on how to create a perfect wedding wardrobe.
On the right kind of fabrics
Summer brides should opt for tussar, Maheshwari, chanderi, and play with chiffons, georgette, and raw silk chanderi. I use these in my collections in soft pastel colours with light embroidery, particularly during this season!
On how to experiment with colours
For summers, I suggest brides opt for brighter colours and soft pastels. Cool summery colours like mango yellow, orange, mint green, rani pink go perfectly with the season. Also, ivory is a timeless colour that looks beautiful throughout the year.
On summer-appropriate lehenga trends
Indulge in a splash of vibrant colours. Have fun with colours and sparkle at your wedding day. Also, brides can go for gold on gold, red on red, pink on pink in terms of jewellery and outfit; monotone works best!
Tips for picking up the right kind of lehenga
Brides tend to go with heavy outfits feeling they’ll be able to manage, but that turns out to be difficult because there’s a lot of movement involved. Instead, something lightweight is best, so they can at least feel comfortable in their outfits. Keep it light and easy, and focus on making memories.
On investment-worthy heirloom pieces
Investing in Banarasi handloom work is a lovely idea. I always recommend investing in jamawar, pashmina, and kani shawls. They are versatile and can be worn with western or Indian wear.
Styling tips for friends and sisters
Don’t overdress and take focus from the bride. It’s her day! Play with soft colours and bohemian jewellery. Bridesmaids have all the fun at the end of the day.
All Images: Courtesy Abhinav Mishra
