JJ Valaya brings Ottoman Empire to the ramp

JJ Valaya has taken forward his fascination with Turkey from Wills India Lifestyle Fashion Week to the ongoing PCJ Delhi Couture Week. Bringing history to contemporary wardrobe, Valaya reignites his love for the past with 'the Azrak (rare) collection.' Aditi Caroli reports.

Fashion designer JJ Valaya has taken forward his fascination with Turkey from Wills India Lifestyle Fashion Week to the ongoing Delhi Couture Week.

Bringing history to contemporary wardrobe, Valaya reignites his love for the past with 'the Azrak (rare) collection.'



Designer speaks

"It's Turkey all the way, the Ottoman Empire. If you saw the Wills grand finale, this is the couture version of the same inspiration. So yes Turkey is the spirit of this season. Whatever you saw was from that part of history and that part of the world. It's an assortment of motifs and it's almost impossible to start identifying each one of them."



Couture Week gives Valaya the liberty to experiment: "It actually gives you the freedom to experiment with. It's senior level of craftsmanship and that is something I really like."

Bridal debate

The opening Varun Bahl's show tried to change the perception of couture as only bridal wear. But Valaya differs: "Couture in India is for the brides and that is the great Indian wedding."



So what about designers Tarun Tahiliani and Varun Bahl's new idea of couture- mix of bridal and non-bridal wear? "They are lying (laughs). They are all my friends but I am sorry. If you talk about couture in India, it's wedding and wedding related."



However, the designer agrees that on the international scene, this trend is gaining momentum: "But there is a strong emerging market internationally which is accepting (non-bridal couture). For example we do a whole line of beautiful evening jackets which is sold anywhere in the world. So that's a really different market. But by and large, wedding it is."

More on collection

The collection started with monochromatic palette of ivories and blacks, then moved towards reds and blues.



Interesting embroidery techniques were incorporated with work of metal, zardozi, badla and semi-precious stones. Exotic bird embellishments and monument prints were eye-catching.



Valaya used fabrics like silk, georgette, velvet, dupion, jacquards for his collection which comprised of saris, suits, long jackets, gowns and anarkalis. He also presented his range of sherwanis for the groom.



Designer refrains from disclosing the price bracket: "Never ask price for couture. It's a wrong question (laughs)."



The off-site show also marked the launch of JJ Valaya Luxury Weddings, a one-stop destination for marriage related preparations. With this, Day One of the ongoing PCJ Delhi Couture Week (August 8-12) ended on a beautiful note!