Tete -a – Tete with Fashion Czar JJ Valaya

A highly respected fashion designer, photographer, entrepreneur and a man with a keen eye for beauty—that’s J J Valaya! The noted couturier made Indian fashion stylish with his brand House of Valaya; he founded the Fashion Design Council of India and made a mark in the international luxury market by being the first global brand ambassador of Austria-based crystal giant Swarovski. With every other bride and groom aspiring to be dressed by the fashion czar, we bring you a heart-to-heart tete-a tete with the man whose designs make the fashion-conscious swoon.

 

Early Beginnings
My father gave me a loan of Rs 10,000 to start off. Along with my brother, TJ Singh, I launched our label, The House of Valaya in 1992. Two years later, our couture label became the first one to have a solo show in India. Next came the home collection called Valaya Home in 1999.

About the brand
I believe that it’s the combination of Indian craft with contemporary fashion that has set the pace of the brand. The only language I truly understand is that of luxury. And at this point of time, there is no better place than India to romance it.

 

On showcasing at Swarovski’s Sparkling Couture Exhibition in Dubai
The event was part of Swarovski’s 120th anniversary celebrations, and was a breathtaking exhibit focusing on Southeast Asian fashion. Our bridal offering was a stunning pale lehenga embellished with crystal peacocks. This was offset by a draped shimmery teal dupatta, worn over a spaghetti strap blouse.

 

On designing bespoke weddings
No wedding is simple. Behind each fairy-tale lies a whole lot of hard work that goes into making it a memorable affair. While majority of the weddings today are global cultural amalgamations, there are some unique aspects of an Indian wedding that stand out. We personalize the couple’s Big Day in our signature opulent style.

 

A word of inspiration
I look up to the late Rohit Khosla as the father of modern Indian fashion. I believe that in the end you do not regret what you did but what you could do and did not. I intend to have no such regrets.

Check out the brand new range of lehengas by the couture king, JJ Valaya. Absolutely drool-worthy! The latest range of bridal outfits with a new price list is now available at their Delhi Store: Defence Colony Store (D-18, first floor), New Delhi.