The designer launched his new collection alongside the first-ever sibling runway appearance of Sara and Ibrahim Ali Khan
New Delhi, October ,2025: Last evening, acclaimed couturier Abhinav Mishra unveiled his much-awaited annual couture runway showcase with The Shrine in the lush gardens of Chhatarpur, underneath the stars. In a landmark moment, Sara Ali Khan walked as Mishra’s muse and showstopper for the second time, proving that second time’s the charm, and was joined by her brother Ibrahim Ali Khan in their first-ever sibling appearance on the runway.
Every Abhinav Mishra showcase is a spectacle in itself, and The Shrine was no exception. Known for creating path-breaking runway experiences, Mishra reimagined the night into a living work of art, with decor inspiration executed to perfection by Rani Pink. Beneath the night sky, the set unfolded like a dream etched in stone, an architectural stepwell rising in quiet grandeur, terraces descending into infinity. Each level was draped in mirrored light, echoing centuries of whispered stories. From its edges, umbrellas layered in clusters caught the reflection of the flames, while thousands of candles illuminated the entire courtyard. Flickering against ancient steps, the firelight turned geometry into poetry, depth meeting delicacy, structure dancing with softness in a layered theatre of light. Musicians filled the air with melody, completing an atmosphere that reflected Abhinav’s enduring love for mirror work, art, music, craft, celebrations, and love.
A poetic homage to India’s architectural grandeur and timeless craft traditions, The Shrine highlighted Mishra’s ongoing commitment to reviving mirror work and gota as his signature craft, transforming them into enduring symbols of light, reflection, and continuity, while his celebrated digital storytelling has made them aspirational for a new generation.
Inspired by shrines, palaces, and temples alive with artistry and memory, the collection paid homage to carved pillars, mirrored walls, and fading frescoes that hold the imprint of generations. Mishra’s design process translated these impressions into motifs, palettes, and textiles that balanced grandeur with softness.
The inspirations unfolded through three central ideas: Enchanting Blooms, symbolising renewal and tenderness; Watercolour artistry, capturing the lyricism of frescoes; and Delicate Harmony, where sparkle met softness and structure met fluidity. The colour story featured warm pastels and muted tones, reminiscent of sun-washed walls and weathered stone, while motifs spanned floral, fluid, and geometric expressions.
Craftsmanship remained at the heart of the collection. Prints included watercolour washes, abstract interpretations, geometric repeats, and floral sketches. Embellishments layered richness into the garments, with pearls, sequin dori, and kirkiri embroidery adding texture and luminosity. At the core was Mishra’s signature mirror work and gota, which glistened across bridal lehengas, flowing anarkalis, and contemporary separates, refracting memory, illuminating tradition, and reframing it for today. Fabrics such as organza, chiffon, silk, and georgette flowed with modern ease while carrying the weight of artisanal detail.
Walking together for the very first time, Sara and Ibrahim Ali Khan were brought together to celebrate artistry, craftsmanship, and the joy of couture — a perfect reflection of Abhinav Mishra’s world that unites tradition with modernity, emotion with expression.
Sara Ali Khan closed the show in a royal ensemble in rusty orange, hand-embroidered with Abhinav Mishra’s signature mirror work, sequins, zari, and resham, and finished with shimmering crystal fringes. Inspired by the architectural elements of Mughal shrines and in keeping with the collection’s concept, The Shrine, the look exuded regality and radiance — a modern homage to timeless craft.
Ibrahim Ali Khan wore a regal sherwani in earthy gold katan silk, intricately embroidered with mirror work, resham, and zari. The look was bold and grand, reflecting Mishra’s flair for celebration and opulence. A rare silhouette for the designer, who is best known for his intricately embellished kurtas, the sherwani brought a stately new dimension to his menswear repertoire.
Reflecting on the showcase, Abhinav Mishra shared: “The Shrine, for me, is a metaphor for everything sacred — our craft, our stories, our sense of belonging. It is inspired by carved pillars, fading frescos, mirrored walls — things that carry the memory of generations. I wanted this collection to feel like a quiet celebration of that history, retold in a language of softness, sparkle, and soul.”
The showcase experience was elevated by its collaborative partners: Johnnie Walker Luxe Blended Water as celebration partner, Emerald Jewels as jewellery partner, and Embryolisse and Temptu as beauty partners — each complementing Mishra’s vision of timeless glamour in their own distinct way.
“Our partnership with Abhinav has embodied the philosophy of Keep Walking — celebrating the spirit of continuously evolving, pushing boundaries, and striding forward. Abhinav’s designs are bold, forward-looking, and consistently and creatively experimental. This new collection captures that very spirit and brings this essence to life. We’re thrilled to partner with him once again and can’t wait to see how he continues to Keep Walking,” said Ruchira Jaitly, CMO, Diageo India.
“At Emerald Jewels, every design begins with the intention of storytelling through Polki. For this collaboration, I drew inspiration from Abhinav Mishra’s world of mirror-work couture to create jewels that reflect light, movement, and celebration. For me, it was about weaving two crafts together into jewels that feel festive, radiant, and heirloom-worthy,” shared Dhara Patel, Founder, Emerald Jewels.
“At BDesir, our vision has always been to bring exceptional skin and makeup innovations to India with iconic brands like Temptu and Embryolisse. This collaboration with Abhinav Mishra is where couture truly meets beauty — his ethereal designs paired with radiant skin prep and a flawless finish. Together, we are creating a showcase that celebrates artistry, craft, and timeless elegance,” said Neha Modi, CEO, BDesir Cosmetics Pvt Ltd.
With The Shrine, Abhinav Mishra presented a couture collection that was celebratory, versatile, and deeply rooted in storytelling, a living homage to India’s cultural spirit and artisanal excellence.
