Last month at VH+GQ Fashion Nights, which is India’s leading menswear platform, Rajesh Pratap Singh’s collection made a bold statement. Beyond the beautiful clothes and internationally-inspired silhouettes, Rajesh Pratap Singh’s message focused a lot on what’s happening to our planet. The models strutted down the runway clad in large gas masks and the message was heard loud and clear. Not only did Singh want to highlight the detrimental effects of the fashion industry on our everyday lives, but he wanted to motivate individuals to make a conscious choice with what they’re wearing moving forward.
In an article published by GQ titled, “How Rajesh Pratap Singh walked the mile on sustainability long before it became cool,” GQ interviewed the visionary designer about his take on sustainability. Singh acknowledged that high-street brands will continue to thrive since people from the middle-class would never spend Rs. 40,000 on a shirt made by a designer making a select number of pieces, but what can be controlled today is the process that these high-street brands are using to make the clothing. It doesn’t always fall on the consumer to make a reasonable choice, the onus should also be on the producer and brand to offer something conscious to their customers. Every part of the manufacturing process should be accounted for by companies and mammoth brands that have the financial means to take those extra steps towards sustainability.
Singh’s home-state is Rajasthan, a place that he has seen changed by the fashion industry and the manufacturing plants first-hand. Singh works with various weavers and craftsmen, with a focus on social organizations that empower women. Sustainable clothing has evolved quite a bit and it’s no longer about these clothes being seen as drab, basic, and boring.
Rajesh Pratap Singh is seen as a pioneer for sustainability and Seams For Dreams is excited that many designers have followed in Singh’s footsteps over the years to work with communities of artisans. Singh continues to inspire other menswear designers throughout India and we can only hope that big brands begin to pick their own processes apart for a better future and healthier planet!
Keep giving in style!
Team SFD
