Abhinav Mishra on the Beauty of ‘Tribe’ For Brides and Grooms

In a world of hyper individualism, Abhinav Mishra is celebrating his tribe in the best way he knows how: through his designs. The designer’s eponymous label has unveiled its latest collection, aptly titled ‘Tribe’, which is an extension of his deeply personal and evocative 2024 collection, ‘The Man in the Mirror’.

Inspired by the fluid grace of the Kalibeya dance and the distinct visual language of the Rajasthani nomadic tribe’s traditions, this collection is all about celebrating the community that surrounds the designer and the brand and the deep cultural roots that it represents.

“I was always fascinated and in awe of the Kalbeliya community. There was something magnetic about them, the way they owned every movement with pride, grace, and fearlessness. They weren’t just performing; they were living their story through art and tradition. It reminded me so much of my own journey, the people who’ve built this brand with me,” says Abhinav Mishra, “My brides, the karigars, my team, each one carries a piece of our story. There was a raw honesty in the Kalbeliya expression that I deeply resonated with. That’s what Tribe is really about; it’s a celebration of that spirit. Of heritage, belonging, and the deep connection we share with those who walk with us. It’s rooted, it’s real, and to me, it feels like home. It’s also a reminder that beauty lies in authenticity, in the imperfect, and in the power of shared stories.”

The designer’s signature mirror work is present throughout the collection, but he merges it with other art forms and surface embellishments, like floral and geometric motifs in dori work, pearls and sequins. There are plunging blouses, short tailored kurtas, diaphanous layers and flowing skirts in shades of deep black, soft ivories, and a smattering of vivid colours that instantly evoke Rajasthan.

In a conversation with Manifest, the designer opens up about what tribe means to him, his muse, the evolution of wedding fashion and the impact on his brand and more…

In Conversation with Abhinav Mishra

Manifest: How has your idea of ‘tribe’ evolved over the years, both professionally and personally?

Abhinav Mishra: When I started out, ‘tribe’ was a small circle, the core team that stayed up with me into the night, ironing out samples, tweaking colours, and dreaming big with limited resources. Back then, it felt very literal to me, my people, my support system. But as the brand grew, so did my understanding of what a tribe really is. It’s not confined to the studio or the runway. It’s everyone who’s ever believed in the vision, even from afar. Professionally, it includes the brides and grooms who trust us with one of the most meaningful days of their lives. It’s the artisans whose generational knowledge gives each garment its soul. It’s the photographers, stylists, and collaborators who bring the stories to life in new ways. Personally, I’ve come to see tribe as a kind of emotional frequency. It’s the people who understand your purpose, who hold space for your growth, who support you silently and fiercely. Sometimes they’re family by blood, sometimes they’re chosen, sometimes they’re people I’ve never met but who connect with the work in a way that’s deeply moving. Today, ‘tribe’ to me means love in all its forms. It’s about presence, connection, and shared intention. And that’s exactly what ‘Tribe’ as a collection is built on.

M: How do you interpret the idea of a tribe in the context of weddings today, especially when it comes to brides, grooms, and their chosen families?

AM: Weddings today have changed; they’ve become more intimate, more personal, and more emotionally centred. And so has the idea of a tribe. It’s no longer just about who’s expected to be there; it’s about who truly shows up. It’s the people who stay up until 3 AM helping the bride pack, the friends who manage chaos with a smile, the siblings who silently take charge when emotions run high. It’s the chosen family, the ones who may not be related by blood but feel like home in every way.

When I meet couples during fittings or consultations, I can see it clearly their tribe isn’t just a guest list. It’s the people who’ve walked with them through life, who’ve laughed, cried, supported, and stood by them. I’ve seen grooms adjusting their bride’s dupatta with trembling hands, friends tearing up during trials, parents quietly watching their children transform. That love, that presence, that’s what a tribe is.

So when I design, I keep that in mind. These garments aren’t just for a bride or groom. They’re part of a larger emotional landscape. They’re woven into the hugs, the glances, the tears. Tribe is a celebration of those people, the ones who make the day unforgettable by simply being there with love in their hearts.

M: Rajasthan has always played a central role in your aesthetic. What new layers did you explore in ‘Tribe’ that we haven’t seen before?

AM: Rajasthan has always felt like home to me, creatively its colours, craft, energy, it’s in my blood. But with Tribe, I wanted to go deeper than the visual. I started looking at the people, the communities, and the emotions behind the beauty. That’s what led me to the Kalbeliya, how they live, move, and express. It’s not polished or perfect, but it’s powerful.

This time, I brought in rawer textures, earthier tones, and a kind of looseness in the silhouettes. The mirror work feels more lived-in, layered with other crafts and stories. It’s not just about grandeur anymore, it’s about grounding. About emotion. About where we come from and who we carry with us. Tribe is still Rajasthan, but from a quieter, more intimate place.

M: Mirror work has become synonymous with your label. How have you reimagined it for this collection?

AM: Mirror work has always been the heartbeat of my design language, but with Tribe, I wanted it to speak differently, more personal, more rooted in origin. We traced it back to the tribes who used it as more than decoration, as protection, identity, and pride. That meaning shaped how we used it this time. Instead of perfect symmetry and polish, we embraced irregularity. The mirror work is softer in some pieces, more dramatic in others, just like human emotion. It’s paired with hand embroidery, tribal motifs, and unfinished edges that tell a story of time, hands, and legacy.

We also experimented with layering, placing mirrors beneath sheer fabrics, mixing them with thread work that feels aged and honest. It’s not about shine alone anymore; it’s about memory, emotion, and the quiet power of reflection.

M: Tell us about the process of balancing traditional craft with contemporary silhouettes.

AM: That balance has always been at the heart of everything I do. I’ve never believed in choosing between heritage and modernity; they’re both essential, and when blended thoughtfully, they create something truly timeless. With ‘Tribe’, we worked with traditional crafts like dori work, mirror embroidery, and hand techniques that have been passed down for generations. But we paired them with cuts and silhouettes that feel fresh: Plunging necklines, sheer overlays, cropped kurtas, oversized skirts. The idea is to let tradition breathe in a new context. I want every piece to feel rooted, but also relevant. To reflect the past while embracing the now. This collection, more than ever, challenged me to trust that tradition doesn’t have to be static; it can evolve, adapt, and still stay true to its soul. That’s where the magic happens in the meeting of memory and modernity.

M: You’ve dressed countless brides over the years. What are the qualities that define an ‘Abhinav Mishra bride’ today?

AM: The Abhinav Mishra bride today is someone who is beautifully self-aware. She knows who she is, and she embraces every part of herself, her culture, her individuality, and her story. She’s not trying to impress anyone; she’s dressing for herself, for her memories, for the moment she’s stepping into. She values tradition, but doesn’t feel bound by it. She’ll wear a lehenga with heirloom jewellery one day and pair it with a modern blouse the next because she knows her identity is layered and unique. What moves me most is how emotionally connected she is to the process. Whether her wedding is a grand affair or a small gathering at home, she wears each look with meaning. It’s never just about looking beautiful; it’s about feeling like herself. And that honesty, that intention, is what truly defines her.

M: What’s the biggest lesson wedding fashion has taught you as a designer over the years?

AM:  That every outfit carries emotion. You’re not just designing for a day, you’re designing for a memory that lasts a lifetime. That’s a huge responsibility, and it’s taught me to create with more heart and honesty.

M: With destination and intimate weddings growing in popularity, how has your design language adapted to this shift in the way we celebrate love?

AM: This shift is something I truly love because it brings weddings back to their most honest essence: emotion, intimacy, and meaningful connection. I’ve seen couples wanting their celebrations to feel personal and effortless, so my design language has naturally evolved to support that. We’re now creating more modular pieces that are lighter, versatile, and easy to move in styles that flow seamlessly from one ceremony to the next without losing their charm or significance. The focus is on comfort without compromising the rich craftsmanship and detail that make these moments special. Whether it’s a beach wedding, a grand fort celebration, or a quiet gathering at home, my goal remains the same: to help each person feel truly beautiful, seen, and at ease. Because when you feel that, your love shines brightest, and that’s what I want every design to celebrate.

M: What role do emotion and storytelling play when you begin designing a bridal collection?

AM: Emotion is everything for me. I don’t sit down to sketch right away. First, I sit with the feeling. What do I want this collection to say? Where is it coming from? With ‘Tribe’, it came from a place of deep gratitude for my team, my brides, my karigars, my people. Once I found that emotion, the pieces followed naturally. Every lehenga, every blouse, every mirror, we tried to embed a story into it. Because when someone wears it, I want them to feel something real. Not just beauty, but connection.

M: Looking back from your first collection to ‘Tribe’, how do you think you’ve changed as a creative force?

AM: When I started, my focus was very much on proving myself, showing the world what I could do, carving out a clear signature that would set me apart. There was a lot of energy around establishing my identity as a designer, experimenting with styles, and making bold statements. But over time, that urgency softened. Now, I’ve slowed down and learned to listen more to my own instincts, to the stories of the people I work with, and to the quiet moments that inspire true creativity. I’ve become more in tune with my feelings and less afraid to be vulnerable in my work. Tribe is probably the most honest collection I’ve created because it’s rooted in emotion, memory, and connection rather than trends or external expectations.

This journey has transformed me not just as a creative force but as a person. I’m no longer chasing applause or validation; I’m chasing meaning. I want my work to resonate deeply, to tell stories that matter, and to build bridges between tradition and today’s world. That growth, this blending of heart and craft, is what defines who I am now as a designer.

M: Finally, what’s next for the Abhinav Mishra label?

AM: What’s next for Abhinav Mishra is a journey of deepening growth, both creatively and emotionally. I want to continue telling stories that honour craft and evoke real emotion, finding new ways to connect with the incredible people who wear my designs.

There are many exciting ideas on the horizon: fresh collections that explore new narratives, collaborations that bring together diverse talents, and innovative ways to bridge tradition with contemporary style more seamlessly than ever before. But no matter what shape the future takes, at the heart of it all will always be the love, trust, and community that have been the foundation of this brand from day one.

For me, it’s about nurturing that tribe, my creative family and continuing to create pieces that don’t just dress people but hold meaning and memories for a lifetime.