Payal Pratap Singh’s recently-opened store has ensembles inspired by geometric embroidery and cross-stitch work of Kutch. She talks to Karan Bhardwaj about her inspiration
She is wife of a famous designer, a NIFT alumnus and has shared notes with the likes of Manish Arora and Namrata Joshipura. However, it took long two decades for Payal Pratap Singh to convince herself to come up with something of her own. last week, she opened doors of her first store at lodhi Market. Payal worked with a French export house for six years before joining her husband Rajesh Pratap Singh in late 90s. You ask her the reason for delay, and she says, “I think it’s the right time. I have been working rigorously in the industry for long, so I know all the pluses and minuses involved in this business. There have been ups and downs in our lives and we know what works in industry. Sometimes, collections fail to impress due to wrong choice of fabrics or silhouettes or sometimes prices spoil the outfits. So, we understand the market.”
Payal debuted at Wills lifestyle Fashion Week last year and received rave reviews for her collection, inspired by the region of Kutch. The extension of collection is visible in her store, which also houses accessories and footwear.
“I never imagined the amazing feedback I got ever since I debuted with runway collection. In fact, I am surprised to see the overseas interest in my ensembles. I received big orders from two fashion stores and has just delivered them,” she proudly tells us. Her fashion aesthetics have been appreciated by the critics and designers alike.
“I am inspired by the crafts, textiles and heritage, be it of any country. I love texturing. I try to give new touch to each of my creation. For instance, I have designed Kolhapuri chappals with twisted chains and pajebs (anklets). My handbags have geometric patterns and embroideries. Earrings have bead work, bangles are colourful with laser-cut leather,” she says.
Payal is known largely to be the right hand of her husband. She deals with his buyers, clients and also takes merchandising decisions. Since her focus has shifted to her own brand and store, Rajesh “will have to hire more professionals”. The designer says, “I have been his main assistant. But we are two opposite personalities when it comes to work. However, we share the same factory for production. We have hired more people.” On her husband-designer, she says, “Rajesh has been very encouraging. He is a creative man. There are no ego issues between us. Both of us are working hard. When one person works hard, you also get inspired to increase your productivity. There is a healthy competition. We mind space which is important for creative people. We do take each other’s feedback.”
At the moment, she doesn’t wish to overshoot. “My priority is my store and family. I have two kids to manage — Rudra (12), Manya (9),” she says. Payal’s next collection would be out by the end of this month.