How I got my job as… Founder of this designer this modern Indian couture label

Emirates Woman

3 days ago

This week, we speak with Abhinav Mishra, founder of his namesake label. His eponymous label is a celebration of modern Indian couture, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary glamour.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series 'How I got my job as…' where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they'd give to those starting out; and the hurdles they've had to overcome.
Known for his signature mirror work, intricate embroidery, and dreamy pastel palettes, the designer reimagines festive and bridal wear for the global woman who values both heritage and modernity. His creations strike a balance between opulence and wearability, making them a go-to for destination weddings, red carpet moments, and intimate celebrations alike. Each piece tells a story of artistry and cultural richness while exuding an effortless sophistication that resonates with today's style-conscious audience.
To delve into his journey, Emirates Woman sat down with Mishra to see how his journey in the world of fashion began. What was your favourite subject at school?
I've always been drawn to the arts. Even as a child, anything visual, hands-on, or creative excited me. It has always given me the freedom to express myself in ways words never could. It felt less like a subject and more like a space where I could just be myself, without rules or restrictions.
What was your first job?
My first job was actually with Vandana Mohan's wedding company. It was there that I got my first real exposure to large-scale events, opulence, and the emotional power of design. Eventually, that journey culminated in me co-founding Rani Pink with Anika Dhawan. Rani Pink allowed me to truly explore my own aesthetic which is rooted in Indian tradition but presented in a more stylised, visual, and emotionally resonant way. Working so closely with families on the most important day of their lives taught me how deeply emotion is tied to design, and that instinct continues to guide my work in fashion today. Working in this industry was really the beginning of me learning how to tell stories through colour, texture, and atmosphere which is something that has now become a cornerstone of the Abhinav Mishra brand. What inspired you to enter the fashion space and your namesake brand?
It was a mix of passion and purpose. I've always believed that Indian craft has global relevance. It just needs to be framed in the right light. For instance, our signature technique of mirror work has deep traditional and ancient roots, but I wanted to reimagine it for the modern woman and to make it romantic, fluid, and emotionally rich. I've also always been drawn to weddings and to the joy, colour, emotion, and sheer drama that comes with every celebration. There's something magical about being part of someone's most important day, and I wanted to create garments that feel like they were made for those moments. I wanted to design pieces that don't just look beautiful, but become a part of people's most cherished memories. Launching my own label was a way of bringing it all together: the beauty of Indian craftsmanship, the fantasy of celebration, and a contemporary design voice that still feels deeply rooted in tradition. Talk us through the concept.
For me, the brand was always about emotion. At its core, it's built around nostalgia and the soft, sentimental feeling of remembering a simpler, more magical time. I grew up surrounded by Indian traditions, weddings, and celebrations, and that world stayed with me. The concept is to take traditional Indian crafts and reimagine them through a modern, romantic lens. Mirror work has always been our signature but I believe what we really create are moments and garments that become part of someone's most special day. That emotional connect is everything to me. Visually, I've always believed in creating fantasy. Our campaigns and couture shows are designed to reflect the larger-than-life concept which the brand stands for. I want people to not just wear the clothes, but to feel something deeply personal when they see or experience them.
What are the key elements of your role?
I'm deeply involved in the creative direction of every collection right from the initial concept and fabric selection to final fittings. But my role goes far beyond just the garments. I am also involved in the creative direction of our campaigns, couture shows, and brand collaborations to ensure everything we put out feels immersive and emotionally resonant. I conceptualise every detail from the visual narrative and location to styling and even the music we use. I also work closely with our artisans and production team to make sure that each piece not only reflects the brand's signature but also maintains the highest level of craftsmanship. It's a hands-on role that touches every part of the brand, but that's exactly what makes it feel so personal and fulfilling. Talk us through your daily routine.
I don't usually have a fixed routine. It really depends on what's happening with the brand at that point in time. But I always try to begin my mornings with some quiet time to reset, reflect, and set the tone for the day. I'm quite into fitness, so getting a workout in is something I prioritise. It really helps me clear my head and stay focused. I also deeply believe in spirituality and try to carve out a few moments each day to disconnect and centre myself since it keeps me grounded, especially in the middle of the madness. And of course, mornings are also dedicated to spending time with my dogs. They're a big part of my life and taking care of them is something that brings me a lot of joy. The rest of the day usually flows into fittings, design meetings, reviewing embroidery samples, or working on upcoming campaigns. I always try to carve out time to sketch or revisit old ideas. This is something that keeps my creativity constantly alive. What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Stay rooted in your identity. Trends come and go, but authenticity lasts. Learn the craft and respect the process. And be patient because building something meaningful takes time, consistency, and a lot of heart. Tell us more about the products.
We specialise in bridal and occasion wear that reimagines Indian heritage through a modern, romantic lens. Mirror work is our signature, but we blend it with soft silhouettes, pastel tones, and intricate embroidery. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans, and we focus on creating garments that feel timeless yet deeply personal. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
'Design with emotion.' I always believe that people might forget what a garment looked like, but they'll always remember how it made them feel. That philosophy has guided every decision I've made since. It reminds me to create from a place of feeling, not just aesthetics. And what is the worst?
That you need to constantly chase trends to stay relevant. I don't believe in that. For me, staying true to your craft and aesthetic builds far more lasting value than chasing what's momentarily popular. Short-term attention doesn't compare to long-term connection.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by NEEDLEDUST (@needledust) What's the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Balancing creativity with scale. As the brand grew, there was a constant challenge of maintaining the integrity and soul of the work while also meeting demand. It's easy to get lost in operations, but I've learned to protect the creative core. Having a trusted team around me has helped make that balance sustainable. What lies ahead for the brand?
We're always looking to grow as a brand in terms of creativity, technique, and how we express our aesthetic. The idea is to keep evolving while staying true to the essence of the brand. We're constantly pushing ourselves to do more, to explore new ways of storytelling, and to refine our signature even further. We're really looking forward to our upcoming show and it's going to be a big moment for us. There are also a couple of exciting brand collaborations in the pipeline that I believe will truly push the envelope. For now, our focus is on creating deeper experiences and continuing to build a brand that's rooted in emotion, craft, and beauty. A physical space is also something we're open to exploring in the future, possibly in Dubai. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @abhinavmishra