JOIN US'I learn something from everyone'
Designer Abhinav Mishra always had a penchant for designing. To give wings to his passion, he got himself enrolled in Wigan & Leigh College, Lucknow, to pursue fashion and design. In 2009, he launched his own label and hasn’t looked back since.
He draws his inspiration from Indian architecture and art and carefully combines it with pastel and earthy hues and intricate embroidery.
In a conversation with Surupasree Sarmmah, the young designer talks about his thoughts on foraying into Western wear, his love for the Summer season and more.
What is your work influenced by?
I am highly inspired by the works of Jaipur and Udaipur. I primarily use mirror and thread work in a lighter way. And since I am from Lucknow, I combine it with Lucknowi patterns and designs.
Your forte is...
I love working with layers and colours that are fresh, young and contemporary.
Summer or Winter?
Summer. This is the season when people use light fabrics like ‘mulmul’, cotton and ‘chanderi’ and these are all my favourites. Also, the bright colours worn during this season add to my love for it.
A classic outfit that any woman can pull off.
A ‘Banarasi’ skirt with a raw silk blouse and a zardozi ‘dupatta’ with traditional jewellery.
A Bollywood personality you would like to work with in future.
Alia Bhatt. She is young, chic and bubbly.
Which Cannes outfit did you like the best this year?
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s blue ballroom gown and Sonam Kapoor’s golden gown.
Any plans of designing Western outfits?
I plan to launch a label with Western outfits next year. There will be use of mirror work but in a more modern form and deep colours.
Did you ever feel the competition considering that many young designers are working their wonders nowadays?
Not really. Luckily, things are going smoothly for me. I learn something from everyone and that also includes my interns. So I see these new designers as an experience and not a threat of any sort. For me, learning never stops.
Your biggest achievement as a designer.
My clients are fond of me and my work. Also, the fact that some of them travel great distances just to get their outfit designed by me is really motivating.
Your latest collection looks ravishing...
The collection is called ‘Sitara’. It reflects a carefree, young and elegant woman, who is progressive in
her thoughts but has a fascination for the royal, old-world charm. So, I have focussed on earthy colours and pastel shades like pink, orange, pastel blue and whites.
If not a designer...
I would be a journalist for sure.