After Versace, Gucci, John Paul Gaultier, Tom Ford and Tarantino, its ace couturier Rajesh Pratap Singh who has been chosen from India to interpret this luxury vodka. And the master craftsman has wielded his magic pen by creating a buff gown, the rim of which measures nine-feet in diameter. This imagery was showcased recently in the City and Metrolife took the opportunity to get the “recluse” designer talking. And mind you, Rajesh ain’t no solitary reaper. His candid demeanour and witty one-liners rubbishes all the tags ascribed to him by the media. Excerpts:
Interpreting luxury vodka...
I actually thought it was a joke when Absolut approached me (smiles). It’s a great opportunity because it’s not restricted by commercial parameters. The brand has had a history of landmark ad campaigns promoting fashion, art and design.

Creating the gown...
Nine-feet in diameter, the gown is made of paper that can be stitched. The print uses the brand’s bottle shape to form petals. So, it’s a mix of sci-fi, organic, purity, transparency and clarity - all of which signify the brand. Absolut Attitude was all about slicing the bottle into different shapes and letting my sub-conscious do all the hard work.

Trends this year...
I don’t know! I never work with trends. Trends are like waves - they come and go. I design by just watching, feeling and hearing. I don’t have the brains to apply logic to design.

Stepping into the industry...
It was very easy for me. I was talented!

India on the international fashion map...
We are knocking very hard (laughs). But they are accepting us. Manish Arora, Anamika Khanna and I have made it to the Paris Fashion Week.

We all are retailing across the world. Honestly, we are already there.

Recognition for the Indian fashion industry...
Fashion is an industry generating several employment opportunities. Recognise it. Countries like France, UK and Italy give full support to it. However, even Indian designers and all those working for the industry, must not cross their limits. Don’t show trash. We have immense talent here but our manufacturing must improve.

Bangalore’s FQ...
I am sorry but Bangalore is fairly conservative. It’s chinos and T-shirts for me. But that’s the City’s lifestyle and one must never force down trends.

Designers being glorified tailors...
I am a tailor. What’s wrong with that? I think it’s very respectful to be a tailor. It’s a profession. I call myself as a garment engineer. People who disrespect tailors are retarded. If you believe so, please don’t wear clothes. It’s not the designers but the so-called fashion critics who are frivolous and shallow. Never disrespect any form of labour.

Being labelled as ‘recluse’...
I am not a recluse. I have a lot of friends who I have a great time with. It’s not something I have worked on. It’s just that I don’t have anything to say to media most of the time.

Why should I say something for the sake of it. There are all kinds of people in every industry.

On working with Bollywood...
I have done some films but wish not to talk about them. Simply because I have done it for friends and not for recognition.

Favourite designers...
It keeps changing. Time and place are important factors that make a designer admirable. I admire Abraham and Thakore, Manish Arora (my room-mate at NIFT) and several Japanese designers.

Ten years from now...
That’s too long a time. I may not even be in this industry. I could be in an ashram somewhere.