PAST Forward
Femina|December 2022
RAJESH PRATAP SINGH closed fashion week with an eponymous collection that was so now, but with fundamental connections with the past.
ASHWINI ARUN KUMAR
PAST Forward

Shows like this come rarely in one's lifetime," said a front row-occupying senior fashion journalist to no one in particular while exiting designer Rajesh Pratap Singh's show area. His was the last runway collection showcased in this season's FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week calendar. Barely 10 feet ahead, another guest exclaimed, "This collection was befitting of Paris Fashion Week!" And, somewhere in the vicinity. a third one marvelled, "It's been a while since I've seen anything like this." All seemingly hyperbolic statements and, yet, wonder was a common sentiment shared by those who witnessed Rajesh Pratap Singh's creations that evening. This season, he, too, like the rest of us, has thought about the future of fashion, where his clothes fit in it, and, more importantly, what he can do to make fashion interesting again to a generation whose attention span is the equivalent to the time it takes to scroll between any two posts on social media. For Rajesh, the solution seems to have come from looking into the past. Especially toward the '50s when the focus was primarily on garment construction.

The show opened with Bollywood actor Mrunal Thakur in a pre-draped pant-style sari with a crisp white shirt - a signature Rajesh Pratap Singh style - moonlighting as a blouse. Worn with black booties, the look had a Gothic undertone. Goth, in fact, was a recurring theme in most looks, either because of Nikhil D's styling or Rajesh's colour palette.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FEMINAView all
THE GOODNESS OF GHEE
Femina

THE GOODNESS OF GHEE

What: The Pure Cow Ghee range for babies with sensitive skin from Himalaya Babycare

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
Hello Hyderabad!
Femina

Hello Hyderabad!

The Kaftan Company makes its debut in Hyderabad with a physical store

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
A COSMIC CULINARY JOURNEY
Femina

A COSMIC CULINARY JOURNEY

Located in the vibrant heart of Kolkata, That Place Bowl & Bar aims to be something out of the ordinary

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
BIG ON THE SCREEN
Femina

BIG ON THE SCREEN

Writer-director INDIRA DHAR is no newcomer to international film festivals, but a standing ovation at Cannes for her latest film was an unforgettable experience. She talks to Shraddha Kamdar about the inspiration, her love for films and more

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
COMMAND RESPECT EFFORTLESSLY
Femina

COMMAND RESPECT EFFORTLESSLY

Try these strategies if you hate not being taken seriously.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
FIND CALM IN CHAOS
Femina

FIND CALM IN CHAOS

Deal with difficult situations using the principles of stoicism.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
GREENER IN THE CUP
Femina

GREENER IN THE CUP

Samiksha Bhowmik details why a cup of matcha needs to be part of your diet

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
THE BEST OF TWO VIBRANT WORLDS
Femina

THE BEST OF TWO VIBRANT WORLDS

LYLA, in Mumbai's BKC, seamlessly blends Central American vibrancy with Californian flair

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
A Melange Of the Middle East & Indian Spices
Femina

A Melange Of the Middle East & Indian Spices

Bringing contemporary twists to tradition, MERCHANT & ME is a youthful urban space for cuisine and cocktails in Pune

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
10 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES COULD BE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
Femina

10 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES COULD BE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION

Seychelles hits all the high notes on the romance roster whether you're on honeymoon or a love break.

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024