JJ Valaya wears many crowns — from pioneering India’s style scene to capturing timeless moments by 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 effectively 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.
In an unique shoot with HT Metropolis Showstoppers, JJ Valaya, also called the Czar of Indian Couture, channels his internal Maharaja whereas posing for us, adorned with jewels by Tribe Amrapali.
Chartered accountant to style legend
Reflecting on his journey, Valaya calls his shift from chartered accountancy to style design “a divine intervention”. “I had a profound realisation whereas doing CA — I did not know what I needed 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. Evidently, she was livid! Trend wasn’t an apparent possibility again then. However an uncle instructed me a couple of design course at Lodge 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 style”. “He was the unique style 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 totally with sutri (a jute gown), picket beads, and shells, nonetheless feels related at the moment.”
A misplaced royal
Born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Valaya’s affinity for royalty runs deep. “I believe I am a misplaced royal, a maharaja reborn. Jodhpur’s regal spirit formed me. Royalty defines my ethos. I attempt to rediscover, reinvent and signify a misplaced grandeur. The art-deco period fascinates me; you will see that affect throughout my retailer. All the things I create is private – I will maintain going until I can. Finally, 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 perpetually.
“The depth of his work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Acclaimed photographer Tarun Khiwal – identified for his masterful use of sunshine and considered one of India’s most celebrated style photographers — as soon as attended Valaya’s e book launch and was so struck by his pictures that he remarked he’d have to “unlearn all the pieces” to have the ability to shoot photos 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 style’s course, Valaya closed his shops and took a sabbatical. “I used to be uninterested in the scene — no one was embracing true luxurious. I feared I used to be dropping my approach. Throughout that break, I met two wonderful individuals who have grow to be lifelong companions. I bounced again, and by the top of this 12 months, we’ll have seven to eight shops throughout India.
Phrases of knowledge and household pleasure
Those that know Valaya past the ateliers and digital camera lenses would let you know that his inventive wellspring is as a lot religious 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 means of the highs and lows, each a part of my journey is made pleasing with this follow. I do not assume I may have hoped for an even bigger present than this. I’ve seen so many miracles by this follow.”.
Each 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 would possibly float into the ether, he brings it again right down to earth with a wry smile: “If I may change one factor, I might most likely eat rather less.
On his daughter Hoorvi J Valaya’s success as a stylist, he beams with pleasure: “What I actually 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 enthusiastic about her craft. I am really grateful to God for all the pieces.”
