An NIFT graduate, Pratap says, "I like to make modern, well-constructed garments that speak a universal language. The word costume doesn’t exist in my fashion vocabulary." Intricate embroidery, fancy silhouettes, indulgence in colours, opulent saris and ghaghras rarely feature in a Pratap collection. Instead, you’ll find embossed leather jackets, lycra and knit shirts, skirts, trousers and quilted, patchwork patterns.
Apart from stocking at leading fashion stores in India, at the moment his designs are selling from international stores like Selfridges in London, Maria Louisa in Paris, Dressing in Belgium, and he has recently been asked by three American stores to provide them with his creations for Summer 2005.
Pratap stunned the Lakme Fashion Week audience with his collection inspired by the "romance of death". His models walked the ramp with their faces covered in black muslin cloth. The outfits were structured, and defied the body’s natural contours. Pratap got the inspiration for this collection from Shiva worshippers in Benares who also worship death. "I had read about them and decided to go and spend three weeks with them," he says.
If Pratap nurses a dark side that feeds on superstition and the paranormal, he also loves anything to do with science and technology. There won’t be a single cloth-cutting machine in the market he doesn’t know of. "I like machines and keep myself updated with cutting-edge technology anywhere, in fashion or medicine," he says.
And while "inspiration" may be the most abused word in the business next to "darling", Pratap’s innate gravitas ensures he is no offender. As he says, "If I’m really lucky I’ll get inspired once in two years."
