Last night, as Delhis fashion lovers flitted from the Taj Palace to the Grand Hotel, a glorious set was being perfected in preparation for designer JJ Valayas collection for PCJ Delhi Couture Week 2012. As the second designer of the week to take to the stage, Valayas set featured extravagant jewels hanging from the entrance of the runway and large domes lit up by multi-coloured lights. This couture season his Azrak Collection meaning rare and uncommon is inspired by the Turkish Ottoman Empire. As the music began to sway through the crowd, everyone was taken on a journey of the empire with model Carol Gracias opening the show. As the music picked up intensity so did the garments. Models with shining jewels and intricate embroidery littered the runway. However this show not only featured couture wear for women but also had much for men looking to break out of the stereotypical idea that embroidery is just for females.
From ivories to rich red with elegant gold finishes thats so loved by Indian brides, the collection displayed Valayas true connection to the modern Indian woman and knowledge of what she wants to have on her special day.
Supporters and fellow designers came to the event to witness the spectacular creations of such a loved fashion guru. Rohit Gandhi, Varun Bahl, Rohit Bal and FDCI President Sunil Sethi had nothing but praise for the creator as they walked out of the show to congratulate their friend.
Totally fabulous! Pure couture, super workmanship, amazing, hes God and he showed it! Super set, super music, Not only clothes, the set the music, just fine, just what a show should be, enthused Rohit Gandhi, half of the dynamic duo of Cue by Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna.
Designer Rohit Bal flew in from Bombay just in time to catch the show and was very impressed by his fellow couturier: I am a designer so I know what goes into the making, but the workmanship of the clothes was just spectacular. Not all bridal, yes of course very glamorous, a lot of evening wear, not all bridal, I think a great balance, short crisp, perfectly executed, superb show. The set, the music, everything was beautiful, everything became one, and for me that enhances one another rather than take away from it. Catching up with JJ Valaya himself, after asking him about how he felt after the show he replied Oh so difficult to talk about clothes, you just need to see them. Isnt it? It is one of the visual languages.
While his pieces are just the beginning of this five-day event in the Nations capital, they are perfect to bring out the buzz of excitement for such an electrifying weekend ahead.