Valaya launches own 'currency' at fashion week

Calcutta News.Net
Sunday 16th March, 2008 (IANS)

Always one to be different, designer J.J. Valaya launched his own 'currency' - The Valaya Royael (VR) - at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW), with the line offering motifs and textures inspired by coins and bearing his 'royal' signature.

'The collection draws its inspiration from the new currency - VR - we have launched. So all the garments of my collection have motifs and textures of coins,' Valaya told IANS after the show late Saturday.

'We are the new royalty, a new Indian Raj that is determined to spread its wings globally,' said a statement.

'Our world, the Royal Kingdom of Valaya, though exalted, remains deeply associated with culture and our nomadic antecedents. Our evolving look, therefore, is a curious signature, a fusion that has found widespread acceptance amongst various nationalities because of its inspiring balance between our rich past and our elegantly mad, yet glorious future,' the statement said.

The designer also launched his new luxury ready-to-wear label Valaya Base Saturday night.

'The new label with its unique textures and signatures on the outfits would differentiate it from my other brands,' the designer said.

The show kick started with model-turned-actor Rahul Dev walking the ramp in an ivory suit worn over a light grey polo neck T-shirt.

'It was fantastic to be on the ramp after so long. It was fun, with a lot of people clapping it felt great,' he said. 'My first (advertisement) shoot was with (designer) Rohit (Khosla) and the second with JJ. Walking the ramp again for him after so many years brought back a number of memories.'

A host of models dressed in ivory shirts, jackets teamed with umbrella skirts, dresses and gowns followed Rahul.

Also on offer were brown skirts and shirts, halter-tops, flared satin skirts, and short dresses with red piping matched with ivory slacks.

This apart, models showcased red halter-tops with multi-layered frill skirts, robe tops, and dresses with oversized rectangular folds worn over red pants.

The outfits were accessorized with red and ivory scarves, and metal chains originating from a big round metal button tastefully placed across the shoulder, neck and waist.

The men's line offered ivory suits, shirts, jackets, black and brown double shaded velvet jackets teamed with slim fit trousers with red and ivory piping.

The colour palette ranged from ivory, browns to bright red and black.

'Red was the accent of my collection and I designed both crystal and antique metal jewellery for the collection,' said Valaya, who used fabrics like velvet, satin, silk, leather, applique, corduroy and wool to create the line.

Rahul concluded the show in a black shirt and trouser, matched with an ivory scarf and metal chain waistband.

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