Latest news with #JJValaya
NDTV
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Fashion Designer JJ Valaya To NDTV On Prada Kolhapuri Row: "Plagiarism Is Not Okay, But..."
Celebrated Indian fashion designer JJ Valaya has spoken about the recent controversy surrounding the luxury brand Prada's use of Kolhapuri-inspired designs in their Spring/Summer 2026 collection at Milan Fashion Week 2025. In a candid conversation with NDTV, renowned designer JJ Valaya said he feels, "Plagiarism is not okay but somebody can get inspired by something that has its creative language. Creating a statement that highlights the thing rather than letting it disappear in time, that is a kind of service." When asked about whether Prada has given Indian craftsmanship exposure, the fashion designer said, "What Prada has done to Kohlapur is that they have made it a buzzword. Suddenly, everybody knows Kohlapuri Chappals now. It has become the 'It' statement. They may not have approached it the right way, but what they have managed to do to Kolhapur and its indigenous product is amazing. But should we capitalize on it or not is another story." On whether or not the world needs to acknowledge Indian craftsmanship, JJ Valaya says, "I have a very serious disagreement with the acknowledgement of the West to know that we are important because that in itself is a wrong notion." All About The Prada Kolhapur Controversy Italian luxury fashion brand Prada found itself at the centre of controversy after showcasing a pair of leather sandals that resembled India's Kolhapuri Chappals. It escalated when Prada labeled it as "Leather Sandals" without giving any credit to Indian craftsmanship. The brand faced allegations of cultural appropriation and profiting off Indian heritage without giving due credit. The intervention of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MACCI) led to Prada expressing its inclination towards launching a limited-edition 'Made in India' Kolhapuri-inspired collection. This was followed by a four-member team from the Italian luxury brand visiting Kolhapuri Chappal craftsmen in Kolhapur in Maharashtra to understand the nuances of their pursuit.
NDTV
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
India Couture Week 2025 Kicks Off In Delhi On July 23 With Rahul Mishra Show
The 18th edition of the India Couture Week will kick off in the national capital Delhi on July 23. The fashion extravaganza will go on for a week, with the closing ceremony on July 30. Who All Are Part Of India Couture Week The seven-day gala will see fashion showcases from ace designers like Rahul Mishra, JJ Valaya, Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar, Tarun Tahiliani, Amit Aggarwal, Falguni Shane Peacock, Shantnu & Nikhil, Suneet Verma, Rimzim Dadu, Jayanti Reddy, Rose Room by Isha Jajodia and Aisha Rao. Opening Presentation By Rahul Mishra Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, in association with Reliance Brands, an initiative of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), will open with a spectacular presentation by Rahul Mishra. The celebrated fashion designer has just made waves in Paris with his show titled "Becoming Love," where he paid a tribute to the seven stages of love, with creations inspired by 20th-century Austrian artist Gustav Klimt's works. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FDCI (@fdciofficial) Speaking about the upcoming showcase, Rahul Mishra said in a press note, "Every time we showcase in India, it fills us with immense pride to present our work on home soil, where the roots of our craft run deepest. Opening Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 with FDCI is an honour, and this collection feels especially personal. It explores the idea of love not just as a feeling, but as a transformation and a journey of becoming. Through every ensemble, we attempt to express that quiet surrender, where craft, emotion, and soul dissolve into one." Grand Finale By JJ Valaya The final show of the India Couture Week will be by couturier JJ Valaya. JJ Valaya, whose signature style lies in his ability to merge traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, told ANI last week, "I've always been a firm believer that, any kind of art or craft or design, the design speaks much more than the creator. And in this case also, I think it's the same thing. Whilst I can tell you that it's called East and the inspiration is based on various parts of the Eastern Hemisphere. But I believe that when we work eight months to put together a 25-minute presentation, it all comes together beautifully in that experience. So I think I'm going to let the collection speak for itself." Excited about having JJ Valya closing the show, Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, said, "JJ Valaya has been a visionary in the world of Indian couture, and we are honoured to have him close Hyundai India Couture Week 2025. His deep-rooted legacy, exquisite detailing, and timeless designs make him the perfect designer to conclude this landmark edition. His closing showcase will undoubtedly be a fitting crescendo to a week celebrating India's finest craftsmanship and creative brilliance." The India Couture Week 2025 will be held from July 23 to July 31 at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi. This is the 18th edition of the fashion festival.
News18
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
JJ Valaya Set To Mark 33 Years With Closing Show At India Couture Week 2025
The India Couture Week 2025 will witness a closing showcase by JJ Valaya on July 30 in New Delhi. The much-anticipated India Couture Week is all set to take place in Delhi from July 23 to July 30. Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, in association with Reliance Brands and presented by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), will conclude its landmark 18th edition with none other than JJ Valaya – a designer long celebrated for his majestic aesthetic and mastery of couture. Known for redefining luxury through a uniquely Indian lens, Valaya will return to the runway as the closing couturier, promising a spectacular finale that intertwines heritage, opulence, and storytelling with contemporary finesse. A stalwart of Indian fashion, JJ Valaya's signature style, rooted in royal grandeur and architectural precision, has made his shows much more than just fashion presentations; they are immersive experiences steeped in culture and craft. His highly anticipated collection will not only mark the culmination of the week but also underscore his enduring influence in the world of couture. As always, expectations are high for a show that promises theatrical scale, exquisite detailing, and a narrative that bridges the past with the present. Talking about this upcoming show, JJ Valaya said, 'As we celebrate 33 years of JJ VALAYA, we could think of no better way to mark this milestone than by presenting the closing show of the 2025 edition of Hyundai India Couture Week. We thank Hyundai and FDCI for this opportunity, which promises to be an unforgettable showcase of elegance and grandeur – brought to life through our signature language of creative expression." Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director & Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said: 'We are proud to continue our partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) for the third consecutive year at India Couture Week 2025. This year, we will showcase the Hyundai CRETA Electric at the 18th HICW 2025, symbolizing our vision for a sustainable and stylish future. We are especially excited about the grand finale showcase by the legendary designer JJ Valaya, whose work beautifully bridges tradition and modernity. We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership with FDCI, as we drive forward our shared vision of progress and creative excellence." Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, shared his thoughts on the announcement: 'JJ Valaya has been a visionary in the world of Indian couture, and we are honoured to have him close Hyundai India Couture Week 2025. His deep-rooted legacy, exquisite detailing, and timeless designs make him the perfect designer to conclude this landmark edition. His closing showcase will undoubtedly be a fitting crescendo to a week celebrating India's finest craftsmanship and creative brilliance." Now in its 18th year, Hyundai India Couture Week remains the country's definitive platform for celebrating the finest in couture. The much-anticipated closing showcase by JJ Valaya is set for July 30, 2025, in New Delhi. view comments First Published: July 15, 2025, 18:32 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
JJ Valaya to Close Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 with a Grand Finale in New Delhi
The 18th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, in association with Reliance Brands and presented by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is set to conclude on a spectacular note as legendary designer JJ Valaya will take center stage for the grand finale. Renowned for his regal aesthetic, impeccable craftsmanship, and storytelling through couture, JJ Valaya will present a collection that promises to be a fusion of heritage and modernity. Marking 33 years of his celebrated fashion journey, Valaya's showcase is expected to be one of the most anticipated moments of the week; an unforgettable celebration of elegance, grandeur, and timeless design. FDCI's Honour to a Couture Visionary Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, echoed the excitement, 'JJ Valaya has been a visionary in the world of Indian couture, and we are honoured to have him close Hyundai India Couture Week 2025. His deep-rooted legacy, exquisite detailing, and timeless designs make him the perfect designer to conclude this landmark edition. His closing showcase will undoubtedly be a fitting crescendo to a week celebrating India's finest craftsmanship and creative brilliance.' JJ Valaya's 33-Year Celebration Reflecting on this milestone moment, JJ Valaya shared,'As we celebrate 33 years of JJ VALAYA, we could think of no better way to mark this milestone than by presenting the closing show of the 2025 edition of Hyundai India Couture Week. We thank Hyundai and FDCI for this opportunity, which promises to be an unforgettable showcase of elegance and grandeur, brought to life through our signature language of creative expression.' Hyundai's Vision: Where Style Meets Sustainability Continuing its commitment to support India's creative and cultural legacy, Hyundai Motor India enters its third consecutive year as a key partner for India Couture Week. Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director & Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, ' We are proud to continue our partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) for the third consecutive year at India Couture Week 2025. This partnership reflects our deep-rooted commitment to promote India's rich culture, heritage and the exceptional talent of our designers. Also, through this collaboration, we celebrate the brilliance of Indian design, the spirit of innovation and the global appeal of our homegrown talent.' Speaking on this year's couture week & JJ Valaya's showcase, Mr. Garg further added, 'This year, we will showcase the Hyundai CRETA Electric at the 18th HICW 2025, symbolizing our vision for a sustainable and stylish future. We are especially excited about the grand finale showcase by the legendary designer JJ Valaya, whose work beautifully bridges tradition and modernity. We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership with FDCI, as we drive forward our shared vision of progress and creative excellence.' What to Expect Now in its 18th year, Hyundai India Couture Week remains the premier platform for the country's finest couturiers. This year also celebrates a decade of the Hyundai CRETA, with the upcoming CRETA EV featured alongside India's top design talent; highlighting the intersection of fashion, innovation, and luxury. The grand finale by JJ Valaya will take place on July 30, 2025, in New Delhi, bringing the curtain down on a week long extravaganza dedicated to couture, culture and creative brilliance. Stay tuned as fashion's most awaited event of the year prepares to close with a showcase that promises legacy, spectacle, and timeless elegance.
Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
The regal tale of fashion designer JJ Valaya
JJ Valaya wears many crowns — from pioneering India's fashion scene to capturing timeless moments through his lens, he is truly the czar of Indian couture and luxury. While his commanding presence might seem intimidating at first, those who know him well quickly discover his sharp wit and delightful sense of humour. For our exclusive shout, we convinced the couturier to embrace his signature regal style and pose adorned in jewels — a first for the designer — inviting us into the exquisite World of Valaya, where heritage and haute couture merge effortlessly. In an exclusive shoot with HT City Showstoppers, JJ Valaya, also known as the Czar of Indian Couture, channels his inner Maharaja while posing for us, adorned with jewels by Tribe Amrapali. Reflecting on his journey, Valaya calls his shift from chartered accountancy to fashion design 'a divine intervention'. "I had a profound realisation while doing CA — I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I was very clear on what I didn't want to do," he laughs, "I remember selling all my accounting books to the kabaadiwala for about 240-250 Rs, then giving the money to my mum. Needless to say, she was furious! Fashion wasn't an obvious option back then. But an uncle told me about a design course at Hotel Samrat, Delhi. The moment 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 father of modern Indian fashion". "He was the original fashion icon in India - the one who discovered Rohit Bal in a nightclub. What I admired most was his effortless style and fearless experimentation. His 1989 collection, made entirely with sutri (a jute robe), wooden beads, and shells, still feels relevant today." A lost royal Born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Valaya's affinity for royalty runs deep. "I think I'm a lost royal, a maharaja reborn. Jodhpur's regal spirit shaped me. Royalty defines my ethos. I strive to rediscover, reinvent and represent a lost grandeur. The art-deco era fascinates me; you'll see that influence all around my store. Everything I create is personal - I'll keep going till I can. Ultimately, the brand must outlive me, and that is its true purpose." The photographer's eye Valaya's artistry has never been confined to couture alone. A gifted photographer, he began exploring the lens during his student days at NIFT, eventually holding his first art show in 2011. "Photography is my release,"he shares, "I shoot most of my campaigns. I'm not into commercial photography - Henri Cartier-Bresson, the father of candid photography, is my absolute God. I've managed to capture moments I hope will be treasured forever. "The depth of his work hasn't gone unnoticed. Acclaimed photographer Tarun Khiwal - known for his masterful use of light and one of India's most celebrated fashion photographers — once attended Valaya's book launch and was so struck by his photographs that he remarked he'd need to "unlearn everything" to be able to shoot images like those. A compliment like that, coming from a legend, says it all. Master of his own fate At one point, disillusioned with Indian fashion's direction, Valaya closed his stores and took a sabbatical. "I was bored with the scene — nobody was embracing true luxury. I feared I was losing my way. During that break, I met two amazing people who have become lifelong partners. I bounced back, and by the end of this year, we'll have seven to eight stores across India. Words of wisdom and family pride Those who know Valaya beyond the ateliers and camera lenses would tell you that his creative wellspring is as much spiritual as it is artistic. He practices belly meditation — a discipline that grounds and rejuvenates him. "I was very, fortunate to discover Tavneer ji, who is my master and guru, he shares with quiet reverence. He adds, "I've been able to find someone who pretty much redefined my whole existence for me. Through the highs and lows, every part of my journey is made enjoyable with this practice. I don't think I could have hoped for a bigger gift than this. I've seen so many miracles through this practice.". Whenever he finds the time, he makes it a point to visit his guru — a ritual that, for Valaya, is as essential as his art. And just when the conversation feels like it might float into the ether, he brings it back down to earth with a wry smile: "If I could change one thing, I'd probably eat a little less. On his daughter Hoorvi J Valaya's success as a stylist, he beams with pride: 'What I truly admire is that she never leaned on me. After her studies, she told me, 'I don't want to work with you; I want to carve my own path. And please don't make a single phone call for me. She's incredibly hardworking and passionate about her craft. I'm truly grateful to God for everything.' Credits Styling and creative direction: Akshay Kaushal Photographer: Abhishek Rao
