Rosie Scott Blog about Women

After 20 years of working in the fashion industry, handling merchandising and sales for her husband Rajesh Pratap Singh’s label for over a decade, designer Payal Pratap decided to satisfy her own creative urge. “I’m extremely glad that I chose my own journey, otherwise 10 years down the line, I would’ve regretted not taking this decision,” says the NIFT Delhi graduate. Her latest collection, ‘Banks of the Danube’ will be on display in the city this week.

It has been inspired by her time spent working in exports for about six years in Eastern Europe.

Named after the river which flows through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine, the collection gives a contemporary look suited for an urban lifestyle.

“The fabrics used range from natural to net cut-work jacquards, incorporating ancient woven European motifs. Adding to this, I have also used yoke necks, geometric patterns, architectural ornament, decorative arts, cross stitch and folkloric prints,” she says, adding that this gives her customers varied choice.

The ethos of the label lies in texturing, patchwork and using complex embroidery detailing. The colour palette includes shades of floral white, cyan blue, deep sea coral to carnation pink, wild berry and mint green. Ask her about the pieces she likes the most, and she replies, “A nice indigo summer dress and a yoke neck in white are two of my favourite garments influenced by European culture.”

With previous collections, Payal has always opted for versatility in her creations, and this one is no different.

And so you can choose to mix and match between layered skirts, corseted bodices, dhoti pants and empire waistlines, apart from cropped jackets and kurta dresses.

She also uses stylised accessories to pull together her looks, and says, “I like to keep it simple, and I’m hoping that I can concentrate on bringing out more in this category.” For this collection, she has used multicoloured stone-carved jewellery, malleable leather belts, kolhapuri stilettos and bags, which are garnering a lot of interest by themselves.

Her passion for style was evident from a young age. “I was very fond of dressing up and putting clothes together for my mom. She was my earliest model. Later, I became the styling authority for my family before we left for any occasion,” says the youthful designer, whose personal style is all about comfort and the confidence that comes with it.

On her husband, Payal says, “I’m fortunate that both of us are designers and have our own identity in constructively critiquing each other; it benefits us profoundly.”

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