Barve accuses Valaya of copying, makes a U-turn

The Delhi Couture Week first saw a catfight, and barely a day after the curtains came down, a copy fight. Well, almost. On Wednesday, Mumbai-based designer Nachiket Barve put up a Facebook message with a picture, reading, “My original mosaic border sari seen in..."

The Delhi Couture Week first saw a catfight, and barely a day after the curtains came down, a copy fight. Well, almost. On Wednesday, Mumbai-based designer Nachiket Barve put up a Facebook message with a picture, reading, “My original mosaic border sari seen in the two pictures. Worn beautifully by the very elegant Mrs B (Bachchan). A close “imitation” at Couture Week seen this week! Be flattered or really mad?!! #notamused”.

What the designer was pointing at was Delhi-based JJ Valaya, whose couture week line also saw a mosaic pattern on sari borders. When contacted, however, Barve said he didn’t think it was an issue.

“He’s a very senior designer and I have high regards for him. It’s upsetting, but I’d rather let it be… I don’t want this to turn into a Delhi vs. Mumbai mud-slinging match.” He then wrote to Valaya’s office on Thursday evening. “If I had a problem with Mr Valaya, I would much rather speak with him,” read his email.

Valaya, on his part, is far from perturbed. A statement issued by his design house clarifies that his pattern was inspired by demolished Art Deco glass windows from English homes in the 19th and 20th centuries; “in fact probably a century before Mr Barve was born!” A copy of the collection’s mood board with images of these windows is with HT City. “So, it’s self-explanatory,” said Valaya.