Mirror work goes wild

Showstopper Kriti Sanon closed Abhinav Mishra’s INTO THE WILD 2026 in a black mirror-work lehenga, a netted cape of mirror discs and a green choker

Abhinav Mishra has never hidden his love for mirrors, and at his yearly couture show in New Delhi last week, he took it outdoors, staging INTO THE WILD 2026 under the night sky with big deer figures standing by the ramp, little lights blinking like fireflies on the stone walls and the sounds of the forest playing softly.

Animals and nature gave the designer his cue this season, and though lehengas stayed the main draw, the line went well past the usual bridal fare. An ivory lehenga came covered in orange and rust patterns, a pale gold one had long rows of sequins running down into big mirrors and beaded tassels, and there were trench coats, high-collared jackets and capes in olive, brown, deep red and black, several with horse motifs and Zardozi. The men were not left behind either, with a sage kurta dotted with tiny mirrors and a black one thick with embroidery, worn with flared pants and a small beaded potli.

“INTO THE WILD is inspired by animals, nature and the feeling of freedom. I wanted to bring that spirit into Indian bridalwear,” said Mishra, adding that the clothes are a little adventurous but still beautiful and special for a bride.

Kriti Sanon walked out last as the showstopper in a black mirror-work lehenga made in Neo-Tech fabric, a sheer net cape full of mirror pieces shining each time she turned.

With the dark, dreamy music Mishra made with ANHAD & TANNER playing through the evening, it was clear he has plenty more to say with his mirrors.