JJ Valaya’s Turkish delight

The czar of couture, JJ Valaya pulled the curtains down at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week ’12 (WIFW) with his presentation ‘Azrak’. Azark in Turkish means rare and uncommon. Treating the audience to theatrical acts, dance performances, musical recitals along with luxury prêt wear Valaya added the extra oomph to the grand fashion week. What made the show special was that, his label completes two decades of successful journey into the world of fashion and luxury.

His ready-to-wear designs were inspired by exceptional and unrivalled arts from the Ottoman Empire. Primarily based on art forms on ceramic, fabric, paper, leather and wood, the collection celebrated the forgotten era but gave it a modern approach. Valaya’s love for the past is showcased through his designs as he goes back to a host of Topkapi archives to put together an amazing combination of history with key elements of a classic urban wardrobe.

Dressed in a pristine white gown teamed with traditional Indian jewellery and a rich brocade Maharaja coat, Bollywood actress Kangna Ranaut was the show-stopper. But the surprise elements on the aisle were well known designers Suneet Verma, Rohit Bal, Navtej Johar, Jamie Stewart, Sumant Jayakrishnan and Navin Ansal. They were among the 12 showstoppers.

His exquisite creations juxtaposed elements of minimalism and grandeur, western and Indian silhouettes, traditional motifs and modern drapes, feminine form and fierce design. Models sashayed down dressed in chic, elegant and one-of-a-kind creations which included saris, jackets, anarkalis, breeches, blouses and dresses. In the designer's own words, his collection was 'celebratory, modern, nostalgic' and downright avant-garde and yet contemporary and wearable.