I want to show you something,” says designer JJ Valaya as he takes his phone out of the pocket of his uniform bandhgala jacket. He spends a couple of minutes searching, his thumbs incessantly scrolling, and, at last, he finds it. It’s an image of Sushmita Sen from her pageant days, sandwiched between two other models wearing JJ Valaya’s clothes, which was featured in Femina. The couturier who is celebrating three decades in Indian fashion this year has a longstanding relationship with us.
We are seated on plush sofas in Le Salon du Musee, a private lounge of sorts on the lower ground floor of his new flagship store in New Delhi’s Aerocity, aptly called the World of Valaya. It houses one-of-a-kind pieces of precious jewellery he’s designed, and is adorned with breathtaking frescos that speak of his obvious fascination with the Art Deco period. In this room that also moonlights as the entrance to the museum where fashion enthusiasts can marvel at his single-edition masterpieces, he plans on hosting the brides who come to him with aspirations of wearing his modern, maximalist lehengas and saris on their big day.
While most know Valaya for his exaggerated surface embroideries and dramatic bridal couture, we’re here to talk about his pivotal new brand, JJV, that made its debut at the FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week this season.
This story is from the May 2022 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2022 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
EAT IN A TROPICAL PARADISE
Nusa, Bengaluru's latest culinary offering, promises an escape from the ordinary
FROM THE ARTISAN TO YOU
Mantra, a women's designer clothing brand from Kerala, comes to Chennai
A BOND BEYOND COMPANIONSHIP
Having a pet in their lives can offer children a wealth of valuable life lessons. Here are some essential insights that can unfold from this unique experience, writes
MAX OUT YOUR TIME IN MEGHALAYA
Nestled in northeastern India, Meghalaya, known as the Abode of Clouds, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored
LOUNGE IN JOY
DRUNKEN TEDDY is the newest place in Kolkata with a gourmet menu and endless options to choose from
REVIVE THE ROMANCE
Ravina M Sachdev shares ways to get your relationship out of the rut
LIFE IN BLACK & WHITE
Discover life lessons from the chessboard.
GIFT YOURSELF RADIANCE
Mrunal Behare lists easy beauty tips to follow for a beautiful you
LIVING IN OR LEAVING
If you must end a live-in in a relationship, do it with consideration and respect.
SEEKING PATIENCE
Prachi Rijwani has strategies to help you foster personal growth