Abhinav Mishra On Architecture, Mirror Work, And Dressing The Modern Indian Man
The designer in his new collection, The Shrine, and what went behind it, among other things
There’s a certain kind of magic that designer Abhinav Mishra brings to Indian couture, the kind that catches light, memory and craft all at once. Known for his signature mirror work and romantic take on tradition, the couturier has built a universe where every stitch reflects a story.
Recently, he unveiled his latest showcase, The Shrine, a spellbinding evening in New Delhi that turned a stepwell-inspired set into a glowing celebration of architecture, heritage, and design. In a candid conversation, Mishra opens up about the inspirations behind his new collection, his evolving vision for menswear, and how he’s reimagining “princely poise” for the modern Indian man.
Excerpts from the chat:
What aspects of architectural heritage most directly informed the menswear silhouettes in The Shrine?
For The Shrine, I was deeply inspired by the grandeur and geometry of India’s architectural heritage, from carved pillars to mirrored walls and fading frescoes. These architectural elements became my vocabulary for structure and proportion in menswear. The carved pillars informed the linear strength and balance of the silhouettes, while the mirrored walls inspired reflective detailing and surface play that feels regal yet understated. The frescoes, with their softness and lyricism, translated into fluid textures and tonal layering, creating garments that echo the same dialogue between strength and serenity that our monuments carry.
How did you envision the princely aura for menswear, in terms of colour, fabric, ornamentation?
The “princely aura” for me isn’t about extravagance, it’s about timeless poise and quiet celebration. The menswear in The Shrine draws from the muted richness of India’s old palaces and tones like warm beige, ivory, and sun-washed golds. I’ve worked with fabrics such as silk, chanderi, and organza that hold structure yet move fluidly. Ornamentation comes through mirror work, zari, and resham embroidery but in a more measured way, with delicate borders, subtle motifs, and tonal shine that catches the light rather than overpowers it. The result is clothing that feels regal and rooted, yet effortless enough for today’s celebrations.
Was there a particular era or region of Indian architecture (or elsewhere) that served as a model for the menswear pieces?
The visual language of The Shrine is very much rooted in Rajasthan - in its palaces, stepwells, and sheesh mahals that merge intricacy with symmetry. I was particularly drawn to the stepwell as a metaphor, with its terraces descending into infinity with layers upon layers of geometry and reflection. The Mughal and Rajput architectural sensibilities, where arches, carvings, and mirrored embellishments coexist, directly informed both the silhouettes and the detailing of the menswear. It’s my way of bringing centuries-old architectural poetry into a modern form of dress.
Mirror work, resham, zari for menswear — how do you balance ornamentation vs wearability?
That balance defines the essence of The Shrine. My menswear has always been about controlled opulence and creating depth through craftsmanship, not excess. We’ve used mirror work and zari almost like architectural accents - geometric, linear, precise. They become part of the garment’s structure, adding luminosity without weight. Even the embroidery techniques like kirkiri and sequin dori are executed in subtle, tonal ways, giving texture rather than overt sparkle. The idea is to craft pieces that feel ceremonial yet wearable which creates a bridge for occasion wear and everyday elegance.
How does the menswear in The Shrine compare or evolve from your previous collections?
Each collection builds upon a continuing conversation I’ve been having with Indian craft and identity. Man in the Mirror was about self-reflection and craftsmanship; Tribe explored community and celebration. The Shrine feels like a more meditative evolution of those ideas. The menswear here is sharper, more architectural, and emotionally grounded. There’s a maturity in the silhouettes as they’re cleaner, more deliberate, and the embellishment carries a quiet confidence. What’s new this season are the interesting cuts and silhouettes which are sharper, reimagined forms that move away from the expected. We’ve introduced new motifs and patterns, and the mirror work, though continuing as a signature, has been experimented with in a completely new way. We’ve also got sherwanis in the collection, which is not something we usually do.
What trends do you see in Indian menswear in 2025?
Indian menswear in 2025 is embracing subtlety in a very beautiful way. Men are seeking craft-driven pieces that tell a story but remain timeless and versatile. There’s a clear shift toward softer palettes, structured yet fluid silhouettes, and surface work that feels personal rather than performative. We’re also seeing a rise in experimentation with interesting cuts, newer sherwani shapes, and modern interpretations of traditional embroidery. Mirror work, for instance, continues to evolve and it’s no longer just decorative, it’s becoming textural and architectural. The modern Indian man today appreciates heritage but doesn’t want to be confined by it. He values comfort, craftsmanship, and design that carries emotion and ease.