True to her name, designer Swapna Anumolu has dreamt of a label that transcended time and culture – where embroidery typically a surface, would also be a form and structure. Her brand, ‘Mishru’, which means ‘mix’ in colloquial Gujarati, is a manifestation of her memories, love of architecture, history and heritage, while amalgamating harmony and balance of aesthetic character. Each ensemble from the label holds an ephemeral quality and an intangible grace that only truly come to life when lived in, laughed in, danced in…..like poetry in motion!
Growing up in Hyderabad, Swapna was inspired by the exceptional regal architecture around her and eventually, took her love of design and culture, and wove it into a framework for beautiful embroidered ensembles. Exquisite embroidery is the cornerstone of the Mishru aesthetic, and subtle embellishments accented by the eye catching hues and avant-garde silhouettes are a mainstay of the label.
This season, at the Lakmé Fashion Week, Mishru’s latest collection titled ‘Form & Feeling’, draws on nature as its ultimate muse. A delicate balance of femininity and tailored strength, the collection features colours, shapes and forms inspired by the natural world and stylised to provide an eye-catching repertoire of garments for those who savour the playfulness and lightness of being that these designs afford the wearer.
Actress Mrunal Thakur was the showstopper for Mishru by Swapna Anumolu. She wore a gorgeous, dreamy red lehenga embellished with handcut 3D self-coloured flowers that packs in the heady romance of flowers in full bloom. The creation spotlights impeccable craftsmanship through its silk thread textured flowers drenched in intensely feminine fuchsia pink, French knots and a silk crystal dupatta.
Mrunal Thakur known for her non-conformist roles and choices has been appreciated for her sartorial choices where she sports both known as well as upcoming homegrown fashion brands.
“Our design philosophy at Mishru starts with a few keywords: subtlety, lightness and surprise. The embroidery is exceptionally detailed, typically in an unusual relief colour of off-white pearls and glass beads which compliments the collections sublime colour palette”, says Swapna
The all over ornateness in each creation maintains a delicate softness, because of its style of embellishment that changes when viewed at different angles. This is also accentuated with unexpected combinations / references / techniques – kalamkari as embroidery, or marbling of fabric, 3D illusion embroidery and the adaptation of architectural jaals into embroidery patterns. “Form & Feeling” by Mishru is a collection of hand embroidered jackets, lehengas, fusion silhouettes and gowns.
Mishru, the clothing, designed by Swapna Anumolu holds an intangible grace and an ephemeral quality.
The brand aims to create ensembles that bring lightness to moments of heady indulgence, to be the carefree option in times of serious celebration, and reliably practical through mundane monotony. Signature through all collections are the Mishru surfaces that evolve their form relentlessly and the surreal elements are used to accentuate the ethereal, fluid and yet playful nature of the brand.
The aesthetic is a synthesis of memories of art and architecture into embroidery for ready to wear and bridal wear for a carefree woman.
The ephemeral quality is accented by the selection of gossamer fabric, translucent canvases of organza and tulle that frame, even with a simple drape, the wearers in an effortless grace. Silhouettes are also designed to be easy, reliable and light. The lightness allows Mishru ensembles and our patrons to both have a playful nature. There is a sense of being encouraged to be carefree and ones true self.
