Sustainability should be inclusive: Rajesh Pratap Singh

Fashion designer Rajesh Pratap Singh says the concept of sustainability may sound good but creating clothes that appear "strange" in the name of the newest fashion trend makes little sense.
The couturier, known for creating minimalistic marvels, said a lot needs to be done to do justice to the planet.
"Sustainability is not about a certain type of colour palette. True sustainability will come through when everyone is involved. It can't be about some strange people wearing some strange clothes. It has to be inclusive and mass produced. It has to give us answers to the problems the environment faces... There's much more that can be done," Singh told PTI on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week.

The designer, whose "eco-collection" was presented by Tencel branded lyocell fibres from the house of Lenzing, said the thread despite being sustainable soaks in the colour dye beautifully.
"I just wanted to experiment with the fibre. I was just thinking that what could be the possibilities with it. Apart from the fact that Tencel's fibre is sustainable, it takes on the colour from the dye very well."
Once the fabric is made, it acquires "an intrinsic, beautiful drape", he said.

The designer said instead of going monochrome, he went ahead with a bold burst of colours such as rosy red, dark pink, orange, blue, black and ample of whites with simple shapes and stripes on the ramp.

The clothes ranged from coats, snuggly lowers, pant suits, layered A-line dresses to shirts with gloves growing into sleeves.
"The fabric and the fibre dictated me to make the collection. It didn't happen the other way around," he added.
The designer used popular song by Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder, "Guaranteed", from the soundtrack of "Into The Wild" in his show.
When asked why he chose the song, Singh said, "It's a beautiful movie and it's close to my heart. It's about the mountains and nature. I think for people who know this music and who know sustainability, it's about communication."

Last night, the designer closed day two at LFW on the 13th edition of the Sustainable Fashion Day.