On an October night in Delhi, spotting the stars can be a challenge, and finding a little wilderness in the middle of the city is no easier. But at Abhinav Mishra’s INTO THE WILD 2026, the stars came in the form of his signature mirror work, and the menswear had more than enough wildness to go around. With statement jackets, flared trousers, earthy hues and nature-inspired motifs, the couturier made a case for taking Indian occasionwear on a less predictable path.
The collection went well beyond the usual sherwanis and tailored trousers. Structured high-collared jackets, trench coats, three-piece ensembles and wide-legged pants offered a fresh take on occasion dressing, while layered wraps and flared silhouettes brought movement to the runway.
Of course, no Abhinav Mishra collection would be complete without a generous dose of embellishment. His unmistakable mirror work shared the spotlight with metallic sequins, intricate Zardozi, hand embroidery, beads, leather sequins and laser-cut embellishments. Animal-inspired prints, oversized florals and sculptural horse motifs drew on the collection’s wilderness theme, lending the garments a sense of movement and character.
Even the colour palette played along, moving through forest greens, muted sage, earthy olives, deep browns, rich reds and dusty neutrals.
Of course, INTO THE WILD was as much about atmosphere as it was about the clothes. Monumental deer installations, forest-green décor, firefly projections and carefully cast shadows transformed the venue into a theatrical wilderness.
Actor Kriti Sanon took centre stage as the showstopper, wearing a black mirror-work lehenga crafted in Neo-Tech fabric, complete with metallic accents, intricate embroidery and sculptural horse motifs.
But beyond the bridal spotlight, the collection’s real talking point was its willingness to push Indian couture into less familiar territory. By bringing together traditional techniques and silhouettes that feel decidedly modern, Mishra made a case for craftsmanship and experimentation as rather good companions.
For men, the takeaway is simple. A high-collared jacket, a pair of flared trousers or a little unexpected embellishment can go a long way. And if your occasionwear has been looking a little too familiar lately, perhaps it is time to let your wardrobe run wild.