Kareena Kapoor Khan in Rajesh Pratap Singh
Kareena Kapoor Khan in Rajesh Pratap Singh

As a fan, I thought I’d be partial to Rajesh Pratap Singh‘s grande finale show, even before I watched it. And as expected, with Kareena Kapoor Khan and the ‘Illusions’ created by Pratap Singh, the show was a spectacular affair, with sheer genius meeting brilliance in execution. Here are 7 lessons we learnt from the show!

Lesson 1: How To bring in the ‘Illusions’

Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh
Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh

The runway had installations made of mirror frames and lit candles with a giant tree in the middle. The visual of this mystical wonderland was matched by a soundtrack that set the mood and maintained it throughout. The show started with models lining up to the tune of PJ Harvey and Bjork‘s cover of The Rolling Stone‘s, Satisfaction. The soundtrack also had beautiful covers of Daft Punk‘s Get Lucky by Daughter, and an Across The Universe cover by Fionna Apple thrown into the mix. The opening mood of the show was supported by models wearing white, paper-like outfits with lit headpieces made from paper cups.

Lesson 2: How to get Colour Blocking right

Illusion by Rajesh Pratap Singh
Illusion by Rajesh Pratap Singh
Illusion by Rajesh Pratap Singh
Illusion by Rajesh Pratap Singh

From striking contrasts in pastel to brilliant layering tricks, Rajesh Pratap Singh and fashion consultant Gautam Kalra struck a beautiful balance between artistry and execution. Take a close look at these pictures, and use them as a reference for future colour blocking themes.

Lesson 3: Fabrics are more than just ‘quirky prints’

Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh
Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh
Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh
Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh

Rajesh Pratap Singh displayed his control over weaves and textures throughout the show. The true magic of sheer fabrics and metallic weaves was unleashed when played in contrast. The collection graduated from pastels to solid tones and finally into forms of grey and black with shards of mirror work. The fabric base was exclusively created for the “Illusions” collection with experiments in silver, stainless steel, paper, aluminium, hand woven and spun khadi, silk and linen. This is a perfect example of a well-thought out use of fabrics.

Lesson 4: Tips from the East

Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh
Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh

Right from the Buddha-like paper-cup head pieces to Japanese street-chic jackets to belts cinched at the high waist, the show had a subtle far east vibe. This was a refreshing perspective in eastern styling.

Lesson 5: willy Wonka Chic in a non-costume set up

Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh
Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh

Mushroom cropped hair and the big bee glasses looked added a tres chic futuristic version of Willy Wonka, without devolving into costume territory. We like!

Lesson 6: Details are never to be overlooked

Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh
Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh

Keeping with the ‘Illusions’ theme, the show paid great attention to detail using shiny textures, mirrors, metallics and clear surfaces . From the sheer fabrics to luminous sheens, the show was consistent in its vision, and maintained this strength with accessories such as the crystal ball earrings, transparent heels and acrylic bangles.

Lesson 7: How to ‘Sport’ a look

Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh
Illusions by Rajesh Pratap Singh

Pratap Singh played with the luxury sports theme but in his own zen-like way. A T-shirt-style dress with pockets and a black dress with triangular shoulder panels were among the best looks.

Kareena Kapoor Khan closes for Rajesh Pratap Singh at the LFW Grand Finale
Kareena Kapoor Khan closes for Rajesh Pratap Singh at the LFW Grand Finale

So there you have it, style lessons learnt from the man who is known for minimalism and yet presented one big Grand Finale!  For more, check out MissMalini’s LIVE Google+ Hangout with Rajesh Pratap Singh at LFW, here.