Rajesh Pratap Singh is one of the most reclusive Indian designers around today.

Often called the Greta Garbo of Indian fashion, he prefers to have his clothes seen rather than heard about. So much so that at his show at the Lakme India Fashion Week, models walked the ramp with their faces covered by black masks.

"He likes the focus to be on his clothes rather than on the models. If the models' faces are seen, people will concentrate on that rather than on the clothes," whispers a fashion journalist watching the show.

Critically acclaimed for his cut and style, Singh grants few interviews, is almost never seen at parties and doesn't even walk the ramp at the end of his shows for the mandatory bow. He just peeks quickly before disappearing backstage.

This year was different. Singh was as accessible as he could be.

He gave interviews to television channels after the conference, answered media queries patiently, posed for photographs and walked around the venue talking to anybody who wanted a word with him.

Singh says there is nothing to be read into this: "I don't think there is any change in me. I really don't think about interviews. I am just irritated with anything that doesn't have to do with me designing clothes."

At the Lakme India Fashion Week, Singh's collection was very dark, using deep shades of orange, reds, greys and blacks.

About the models being masked, Singh says, "It was an idea that a friend came up with. I worked it into my clothes. It went well with the theme."

Apart from the black masks, the other other innovation he incorporated in his show was that it ran in the reverse order: The most dramatic outfit was shown first and the most subdued came last.

Singh's dramatic collection showcased a journey that begins with death. "It was all about dark feelings," he admits.

Red and pink silk was crafted to fit closely at the bust, flaring into wide hems. They were followed by straight long dresses with prints of ghostly images on them. The last set of clothes were in black, greys and wood browns.

"I have used a lot of embellishments on the dresses, but they are in the form of textures. I have used quilting, printing and pleating on the clothes," he says.

Singh said his collection will be priced between Rs 900 and Rs 10,000.

As for his elusiveness, he says, "I don't think I have tried to go upto people or stay away from them. I don't make an attempt to do something but I don't make an attempt to not do anything either."

Prod him a little and he confesses he is uncomfortable giving interviews or talking to too many people. "I just make a complete ass of myself. I am quite a boring person that way, if you see," he grins shyly.

Photograph: Jewella C Miranda
Editorial support: Imran Shaikh