Stalwart bridal wear designer Abhinav Mishra has become synonymous with a ‘timeless classic’ aesthetic, thanks to his mastery of time-honoured silhouettes, intricate embroideries and the use of rich textiles. His signature brand of detailing—mirror work that celebrates Indian craft—is rooted in heritage yet glamorous in appeal. Now the maverick joins forces with another bridal favourite label, NEEDLEDUST to dream up a line of must-have bags and footwear.
Abhinav’s surrealistic and magical world of mirrors combined with NEEDLEDUST’s elegance and effortlessness make up the hallmarks of this collection. From couture mules, Kolhapuri heels and juttis to potlis and sling bags, the collaboration covers an expansive festive and wedding edit for the bride and her tribe. Not limited to women, the collection also offers a range of festive khussas for men.
The collection is outright glamorous and dominated by tones of taupe, gold, rose gold, champagne and silver along with bright and pop festive colours of marigold orange, gulab red, rani pink and haldi yellow on a canvas of rich silks, tissue, organza and nets. From resham thread work and gota patti to pearl and sequin embroidery, the accessories present a plethora of embellishments too, rendering themselves as patterns that beckon Mughal gardens and erstwhile Sindh motifs.
We got in touch with Abhinav Mishra and Shirin Mann, the founder of NEEDLEDUST, to know more.
How did the collaboration come about?
Abhinav & Shirin: The collaboration between Abhinav Mishra and NEEDLEDUST was a natural progression of our strong bond and friendship. We have been close friends for years, and our regular conversations about design, style, and our shared aspirations paved the way for this exciting collaboration. Our mutual admiration for each other's work and a deep understanding of each other's creative processes made this collaboration an authentic and heartfelt endeavour.
How did you bring your signature aesthetic to footwear and bags?
Abhinav: To bring our design ethos to these traditional footwear pieces, we merged the Abhinav Mishra label’s expertise in mirror work and traditional embroidery with NEEDLEDUST's feminine yet edgy design philosophy. The juttis in this collection showcase a fusion of stunning mirror work, sequins, beads, and gota embroidery. This blend adds opulence to the juttis while ensuring their comfort and versatility, making them a true embodiment of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.
How have you refreshed the designs of the accessories?
Shirin: For the very first time, we have introduced new dimensions and silhouettes in bags and heels for the collaboration with Abhinav Mishra. We are the first ones to launch mini potlis and purses in our bag collection, along with tassel ankle drawstrings in our heel designs, inspired by his lehenga tassels. The new peak heels feature a sharper and fully embroidered circular heel. These heels come with two ankle straps: a classic buckle and a tie-up option. Additionally, for the first time, we have introduced crossbody straps that accompany all structured style box purses, minis, and regular-sized bags. These straps are fully embroidered and detachable, offering versatility for use with any of your other bags.
Intricate details of the edit; from crafts to fabrics.
Abhinav: The collection is a tribute to craftsmanship, celebrating a diverse array of fabrics and intricate embroidery patterns. The embroidery techniques employed include mirrors, sequins, beads, and gota, exuding the grandeur and magnificence associated with Indian weddings. We've used a range of fabrics, including luxurious silks, delicate tissue, ethereal organza, and sheer nets, to craft a versatile assortment of footwear and accessories, offering choices that cater to various consumers and their styles.
Why makes these pieces wedding wardrobe essentials?
Shirin: What makes this collection truly special and indispensable for the wedding wardrobe is the unique fusion of our strengths and design sensibilities. The collaboration beautifully blends Abhinav's maximalist approach with NEEDLEDUST's emphasis on colour and intricate details, resulting in a couture footwear collection that is unparalleled in Indian fashion. The incorporation of mirrors adds an element of fascination to the collection, while the vibrant colours and intricate designs capture the celebratory spirit of Indian weddings and festivals.
For more information:
Abhinav Mishra & NEEDLEDUST
Website: www.AbhinavMishraOfficial.com; www.Needledust.com
Instagram: @AbhinavMishra_; @Needledust