Czar of couture JJ Valaya celebrated 30 years in the fashion world with his Alma (meaning ‘soul’ in Spanish) show at India Couture Week, presented by FDCI (Fashion Design Council of India) in association with Lotus Make-up in Delhi.

It was a sort of retrospective with nuances of the old merging with the new flavours of Spain as the models, lovely ladies and debonair gentlemen, walked down the steps, then around a curvy fountain and across a vintage carpet at JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity.

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Live music with the soulful sound of the sitar, sarangi,  piano and percussion set the mood for what seemed like an opulent opera with the sight of sheer splendour.

JJ Valaya’s travels across the globe has formed the inspirations for his collections over the years and this time it is his three constant expressions (Royale, Nomade, Art Deco) that find their soulmates in three diverse yet well-known facets of Spain: costumes of the matadors (Matador de Toros); motifs on the manton shawl (Manton de Manila); patterns of the hand fan (Pericon).

The showcase was a trendy tale of luxurious fabrics, elegant details, inspired prints and. of course, timeless and much-loved embroideries that define this season’s couture collection in all its glory as it transcends its journey, blending the designer’s ethos with that of Spain.

Incidentally, JJ Valaya began his fashionable journey as a prize-winning NIFT student way back in 1992. His name: Jagsharanjit Singh Ahluwalia that he shortened to JJ Valaya for his solo show the next year.

And, at this time’s India Couture Week 2022 showcase, it was but fitting that he and the merry models were showered with golden confetti at the end of it all.