“Tribe isn’t just a theme,” says Abhinav Mishra. “It’s a feeling.” And that feeling—of connection, of rootedness, of belonging—is exactly what pulses through every mirror, motif, and silhouette in Mishra’s new collection, Tribe.
Known for his mirror-drenched lehengas and unabashed celebration of sparkle, the couturier now arrives with something softer—more intimate, more grounded, more honest. His new collection serves as a turning point. Less about spectacle, more about soul. Less about the bride on the pedestal, more about the people behind her—the artisans, the family, the friends, the ones who stitch the magic into motion. “This isn’t just my work,” Mishra tells Esquire India. “This is ours.”
That collective spirit—of kinship, of creative communion, of emotional lineage—lies at the heart of Tribe, Mishra’s most personal and powerfully human collection yet.
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Rooted in the cultural grace of Rajasthan’s Kalbeliya tribe, the collection is both homage and evolution. Mishra doesn’t just borrow the visual language of the community—he channels their fearlessness, their fluidity, their unshakable sense of identity. “There’s something about how they carry their culture on their skin,” he says. “It made me want to design in a way that felt just as bold and rooted." With plunging cholis, sheer layers, tailored kurtas, and the occasional riot of Rajasthani colour, the collection moves between three distinct moods—deep black, soft ivory, celebratory brights. Floral and geometric motifs rendered in dori work, pearls, sequins, beads, and mirrors also showcase Mishra’s artisanal depth.
Born in the quiet aftermath of last year’s introspective “The Man in the Mirror”, Tribe feels like a natural sequel. Where the former asked hard questions about self and identity, this one looks outward. In a conversation with Esquire India, Mishra delves into what inspired his new collection and what tribe means to him.
Excerpts from a conversation.
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What inspired you to create Tribe?
Tribe was born from a very personal space. Over the years, I’ve realized that the brand has become more than just a label —it’s a living, breathing family of people who believe in what we do. From our brides and grooms to my team and the artisans who bring every design to life, they’re all part of this growing community.
I was deeply inspired by the Kalbeliya tribe, not just their movement and beauty, but their spirit, their strength, their sense of identity. I saw so much of that reflected in the people around me. Tribe is a celebration of that shared connection. It’s about honoring where we come from, the cultures that shape us, and the love that ties us together.
Where did the idea come from?
The idea for Tribe came to me slowly like a feeling that kept growing. After The Man in the Mirror, I was in a space of deep reflection, and I started thinking about the people who make this journey meaningful. At the same time, I was drawn to the Kalbeliya community their spirit, their grace, their sense of belonging. That’s when it clicked. That was the seed. The emotion came first the clothes followed.
Why the Kalbeliya community? What about their spirit spoke to you creatively?
There’s something about the Kalbeliya people that stayed with me long after I first saw them dance. It’s not just the visual beauty, but their freedom, fearlessness, or the way they carry their culture on their skin. They move like they’re telling stories passed down through generations, without a word spoken. That sense of identity, of owning who you are no matter where you come from that moved me. Creatively, it gave me permission to be bolder, more rooted, and more honest in how I design.
You’ve said this is one of your most personal collections why does this one feel more emotional or close to you?
Because this one is not just about clothes. It’s about people. Over the years, this journey has given me so much more than I imagined not just recognition, but relationships. This is the first time I’ve truly said: this isn’t just my work, this is ours. That makes it the most personal thing I’ve ever created.
Let’s talk mirror work—it’s such a signature for you. How have you reimagined it this time?
Mirror work has always been the soul of my design language. But with Tribe, I wanted to go back to its roots and its meaning. I’ve always loved how mirrors reflect light, but this time, I wanted them to reflect history. The hands that first stitched them centuries ago, the tribes that used them not just for beauty, but for identity, for protection, for expression.
We started blending mirror work with tribal motifs, with raw textures, with embroidery that feels honest and imperfect. It’s still the signature sparkle, but softer in some places, more intense in others like emotions.
In one word what does "Tribe" mean to you?
Describing it in just one word feels nearly impossible because it’s not just a word, it’s a feeling, or a memory. It’s where everyone wants to come back to.
When I think of Tribe, I think of the people who have stood by me, who believed in the vision when it was still just an idea, or who’ve poured their hearts into every stitch, every mirror, every thread of fabric. I think of the brides who’ve walked into a new life wearing something we created, the families who’ve trusted us with their most cherished moments, the artisans who bring centuries of tradition into every piece, and the team that has become my extended family. It’s the laughter behind the scenes, the late nights, the shared meals during shoots, the quiet pride in a job well done. Tribe is all of that. It’s about knowing you belong, that your story matters, and that you’re part of something greater than yourself.
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This collection comes on the heels of The Man in the Mirror. Is there a narrative continuation here, or do you see this as a new chapter entirely?
Tribe continues that journey, but it also takes it into a new direction. My previous collection was deeply introspective— it was about looking inward, facing your own reflection, your truth. But once you’ve done that you start looking outward. You start noticing the people who’ve stood by you, lifted you, believed in you.
Tribe is about those people. It’s the answer to that mirror moment. After understanding myself, I wanted to honour the community around me—the love, the support, the shared energy that’s carried this brand forward. So yes, it’s a new chapter, but it’s written in the same story. First came the reflection. Now comes the belonging.