JJ Valaya: I sketch every design in my couture till date

A major influence in couturier JJ Valaya's design has been the ancient civilization, especially the Spice and Silk routes. Valaya is in awe of the Ottoman empire and he derives his inspiration from there. For his latest couture outing titled Rumeli is a luxurious tribute to an evolved couture sensibility, valuing timelessness over the fragility of trend cycles, meriting craftsmanship over gimmickry, whilst seducing Couture aficionados with harmonious perfection.
Talking to The Times of India, JJ Valaya shares more insight about his new collection launch and how he visualizes the post-pandemic era.
Why do you believe that minimalism is still relevant in the post-pandemic world?
It's really not about minimalism or maximalism in the post-pandemic era….both have their own place and both will thrive. The big change is the increased relevance of Timelessness and the slowing down of the mad race of creating multiple collections in multiple seasons! Fortunately, Couture, by virtue of its very nature, is timeless and so it shall prevail and prosper.

Give us a little insight into the statement pieces that have been created by you this season.
I like to believe that each and every design I create should make a statement. Till date, I sketch every design in my couture and I try to make it special, both for me and for the individual who will eventually possess it. We are a luxury brand and firmly believe that Couture is an extension of our art and is priceless and forever special.

We are in awe of the sari that you have created this time, tell us a little more about that
This is indeed a special piece! It is fully embroidered using the finest of silk threads and took 20 craftspersons nearly 3 months to put together. It would be fair to say that this is one of the masterpieces of our Rumeli collection of this season.
What are the newer silhouettes that you have experimented with for both men and women?
We are modern classicists at heart for nearly 30 years and we strongly believe that for a style to endure, it needs to be a clever mix of trend and sustainability. This is not always an easy task but we have been successful at achieving this for decades. This season too, we have an expansive portfolio of research and experimentation in embroideries, prints and details.

Define Valaya bride in the post-pandemic world.
She is our Nomadic goddess! We pamper her and respect her for her individuality, elegance, respect for culture, and free spirit. We believe that the true Valaya woman is a wonderful blend of a refined personality with our fabulous couture. We celebrate her as much as she celebrates us…it is this unique osmosis that creates the real magic!