JJ Valaya wears many crowns — from pioneering India’s trend scene to capturing timeless moments via his lens, he’s really the czar of Indian couture and luxurious. Whereas his commanding presence might sound intimidating at first, those that know him properly rapidly uncover his sharp wit and pleasant sense of humour. For our unique shout, we satisfied the couturier to embrace his signature regal fashion and pose adorned in jewels — a primary for the designer — inviting us into the beautiful World of Valaya, the place heritage and high fashion merge effortlessly.
Chartered accountant to trend legend
Reflecting on his journey, Valaya calls his shift from chartered accountancy to trend design “a divine intervention”. “I had a profound realisation whereas doing CA — I did not know what I wished to do, however I used to be very clear on what I did not wish to do,” he laughs, “I bear in mind promoting all my accounting books to the kabaadiwala for about 240-250 Rs, then giving the cash to my mum. For sure, she was livid! Trend wasn’t an apparent possibility again then. However an uncle instructed me a couple of design course at Resort Samrat, Delhi. The second I stepped in, I knew I belonged there.”
Mentored by Rohit Khosla
After graduating from NIFT, Valaya interned with the legendary Rohit Khosla, whom he calls “the daddy of recent Indian trend”. “He was the unique trend icon in India – the one who found Rohit Bal in a nightclub. What I admired most was his easy fashion and fearless experimentation. His 1989 assortment, made solely with sutri (a jute gown), wood beads, and shells, nonetheless feels related at this time.”
A misplaced royal
Born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Valaya’s affinity for royalty runs deep. “I feel I am a misplaced royal, a maharaja reborn. Jodhpur’s regal spirit formed me. Royalty defines my ethos. I try to rediscover, reinvent and characterize a misplaced grandeur. The art-deco period fascinates me; you may see that affect throughout my retailer. All the pieces I create is private – I will hold going until I can. In the end, the model should outlive me, and that’s its true goal.”
The photographer’s eye
Valaya’s artistry has by no means been confined to couture alone. A gifted photographer, he started exploring the lens throughout his pupil days at NIFT, finally holding his first artwork present in 2011. “Images is my launch,”he shares, “I shoot most of my campaigns. I am not into industrial images – Henri Cartier-Bresson, the daddy of candid images, is my absolute God. I’ve managed to seize moments I hope will likely be treasured endlessly.
“The depth of his work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Acclaimed photographer Tarun Khiwal – recognized for his masterful use of sunshine and one in all India’s most celebrated trend photographers — as soon as attended Valaya’s e-book launch and was so struck by his pictures that he remarked he’d must “unlearn every little thing” to have the ability to shoot pictures like these. A praise like that, coming from a legend, says all of it.
Grasp of his personal destiny
At one level, disillusioned with Indian trend’s route, Valaya closed his shops and took a sabbatical. “I used to be tired of the scene — no person was embracing true luxurious. I feared I used to be dropping my approach. Throughout that break, I met two superb individuals who have change into lifelong companions. I bounced again, and by the tip of this yr, we’ll have seven to eight shops throughout India.
Phrases of knowledge and household satisfaction
Those that know Valaya past the ateliers and digital camera lenses would inform you that his artistic wellspring is as a lot non secular as it’s creative. He practices stomach meditation — a self-discipline that grounds and rejuvenates him. “I used to be very, lucky to find Tavneer ji, who’s my grasp and guru, he shares with quiet reverence. He provides, “I have been capable of finding somebody who just about redefined my entire existence for me. By way of the highs and lows, each a part of my journey is made pleasurable with this follow. I do not suppose I may have hoped for a much bigger present than this. I’ve seen so many miracles via this follow.”.
Every time he finds the time, he makes it some extent to go to his guru — a ritual that, for Valaya, is as important as his artwork. And simply when the dialog feels prefer it may float into the ether, he brings it again all the way down to earth with a wry smile: “If I may change one factor, I might in all probability eat rather less.
On his daughter Hoorvi J Valaya’s success as a stylist, he beams with satisfaction: “What I really admire is that she by no means leaned on me. After her research, she instructed me, ‘I do not wish to work with you; I wish to carve my very own path. And please do not make a single cellphone name for me. She’s extremely hardworking and obsessed with her craft. I am really grateful to God for every little thing.”
