Use 100 per cent Ultraviolet (UV) protection sunglasses. The harsh UV rays can damage your eye lens, cornea and even retina. So whenever you head out, make sure you put on your shades…reports Asian Lite News
If you believe that applying sunscreen will protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun this summer, think again. Your eyes, too, require attention. UV rays are not only harmful to the skin, but they can also harm the eyes.
“UV exposure has been linked to the development of macular degeneration, cataracts, and other vision-loss problems,” says Dr Danish Iqbal, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals.
If you have an existing eye condition, such as macular degeneration or cataracts, he recommends that you protect your eyes from the sun as much as possible during the summer.
Dr. Danish shares some simple tips that will protect your eyes in summer.
Wear sunglasses: Use 100 per cent Ultraviolet (UV) protection sunglasses. The harsh UV rays can damage your eye lens, cornea and even retina. So whenever you head out, make sure you put on your shades.
Splash clean water in the eyes: Your eyes are stressed throughout the day due to severe heat and exposure to the sun. Rinse your eye by splashing cold water on them periodically and drinking a lot of water. This will keep your eyes from becoming dry or puffy.
Do eye exercises: Eye exercises help us to reduce tiredness and improve the eye muscles. Exercising your eyes daily also improves your eyesight and reduces the risk of contracting diseases and infections.
Use cucumber slices: If you are suffering from red eyes in summer, apply slices of cucumber on your eyelids for 10 minutes before you sleep. Cucumber also helps remove tan from under the eyes and absorbs extra moisture.
Nourish it with eye drops: It’s always better to use some kind of eye drops to minimize pain or manage other eye problems. However, you should also consult a qualified ophthalmologist before choosing your eye drops.
Increase intake of green leafy vegetables: In the summer season, increase the intake of green leafy vegetables as they are rich in both lutein and zeaxanthin and are also a good source of eye-friendly vitamin C. Well-known leafy greens include spinach, kale, collards etc.
Sleep well: Your eyes heal themselves as you sleep. Insufficient sleep can lead to dry, itchy, or bloodshot eyes. Lack of proper sleep at night leads to fewer tears in the eye and it may open the door to eye infections.
Sustainable fashion is really about making in a mindful way and ensuring companies’ production practices are ecologically bearable and socially equitable…says Saachi Bahl
#ConsciousEffort Design Show & Conclave annual design show, now in its fifth year, and has served as an active launch pad for conversations about the intersections of sustainability and environmental consciousness with fashion, retail, and lifestyle. Over the last few years, there has been a surge of interest in sustainable fashion as an industry with the potential to improve both the environment and social impact. Sustainable practises are being aggressively incorporated into the brand objectives of designers and fashion houses.
Founded by Saachi Bahl, Founder of Saahra, the show aims to educate, engage, and empower people about sustainable fashion. Saahra is India’s leading sustainability platform that connects e-commerce, advocacy, and sustainability. This year’s #ConsciousEffort Design Show & Conclave promises to be another exciting event.
In keeping with the world’s shift toward more ethical trade practises, the Conclave serves as a springboard for showcasing conscious luxury brands in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. The multifaceted event also brings together well-known faces from the worlds of design and social activism for panel discussions and dialogues that complement fashion, beauty, and lifestyle houses’ showcases. The event has previously hosted celebrities such as Rahul Misra, Anju Modi, and Amit Aggarwal, among others. Saachi Bahl talks about the show:
How do you define sustainable fashion?
Bahl: Sustainable fashion is really about making in a mindful way and ensuring companies’ production practices are ecologically bearable and socially equitable. Circularity is a brand ethos. It’s about being conscious right from raw-material sourcing to rethinking excess/ waste and worker welfare in the value chains, and eventually designing keeping in mind the after-life of the product! Sustainable fashion isn’t a definition to abide by – rather, it’s a culture you adopt of both respect and responsibility. Respect for people, planet and profit and the responsibility of our race to create a greener and better world.
Q: How can one become a participant in sustainable fashion both on the manufacturing side and from the purchasing point of view?
Bahl: On the manufacturing side, I think companies need to rethink the way they are making. They need to evaluate how they are producing and what they can do to make their practices more sustainable. Even small steps such as using natural, biodegradable materials, recycled packaging, minimising the use of plastics and choosing responsible and certified supply chains can make a big difference. On the other hand, shoppers must recognise that the real power lies in their choice. I would tell consumers to buy less and buy better and there is no mantra better than the 3 golden R’s – “Reduce, Repeat, Recycle”! Consumers interested in investing in sustainable fashion or learning more about the subject can also visit #ConsciousEffort – an event I host, on the 9th of April, 2022 at The Imperial, New Delhi from 10am-6pm. We have a curation of about 20 conscious labels you can shop from and attend panel discussions featuring eminent designers like Anita Dongre to learn more.
`1Q: Having rebounded quickly after the pandemic fast fashion is here to stay, how can brands be more conscious of their role in perpetuating eco conscious choices?
Bahl: I don’t think sustainability is a fast fashion versus slow fashion phenomenon. For any real change, the industry as a whole including, fast fashion chains, slow fashion boutiques and couturiers – all need to collectively address the challenges with respect to climate and social justice. Each company and each industry will face its own challenge. For example, a denim manufacturer’s challenges with respect to sustainability are very different from a sportswear brand! Companies need to evaluate their true impact and responsibilities. I believe we all need to do the best we can and when we know better, do better!
The scope of recycling expands significantly when it comes to something as encompassing as a salwar suit. Repurposing vintage salwar suits can become a very fascinating and versatile DIY project…reports N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe
Sarees and fabrics are generally passed on as heirlooms in our culture. Heavy, pure fabrics, heavy suits, sarees, and wedding lehengas — mostly women tend to preserve these and pass them on to the next generation. These are special and hold a lot of memories which are often difficult to part with.
But, how often are we able to use those old clothes due to changing fashion? With new styles and trends coming in almost every season, it gets very difficult to wear the same outfit again and again.
How about we find a way to preserve them and also reuse them in a way that they don’t get wasted and are also used efficiently? Interesting, right? Recycling old clothes into table runners, new clothes, cushion covers — is not a new phenomenon. People have been doing it for ages. It is sustainable, economical and extremely cool to reuse, repurpose and recycle. Change the utility of the garment as per your need and make the most out of it. Keep reading to know some innovative ideas for repurposing salwar suits instead of discarding them.
The scope of recycling expands significantly when it comes to something as encompassing as a salwar suit. Repurposing vintage salwar suits can become a very fascinating and versatile DIY project.
Namrata Agarwal, Founder and CEO of Chinaya Banaras, shares tips to reuse old cloths.
Mix and match and reuse the entire outfit: While salwar suits are mostly sold as a set — shirt, dupatta, and a bottom; the current trend of wearing mismatched or contrasting outfits gives a scope of using each element of a salwar suit in a different outfit and create three more outfits!
Match your kurta with a different bottom and change the whole look. Add a different coloured dupatta to your existing suit and you have a new outfit. These small steps can give you a new look without burning a hole in your pocket and also reusing an existing garment. Did someone say sustainable fashion?
Reuse old salwar or kurti to make a dress: Here’s another good one. Use your kurti or salwar to stitch in a different pattern. You can get a blouse made from your kurti or even a gown by putting together two elements. You can even make children’s clothes from old salwar suits. It’s a lot of fun to make new outfits out of old ones.
Repurpose to make furnishing items: Apart from using old clothes for making new outfits, you can even use them to make keepsake accessories for your home. Many times clothes cannot be fashioned into another dress. But instead of throwing it away, you can make different furnishing out of it. Kurtis with embroidered patterns makes for lovely wall hangings or photo borders. You can turn your old dupattas into curtains or beautiful backdrops. Tie-up techniques can also be used to turn your dupattas or kurti patches into super-cool pillowcases or cushion covers.
Throwing a garment is the easy option but think of where it’s going to end up? Most likely in a pile of a dump. We need to be smart and use our old clothes in a fun way and that will also be our bit for our planet. Do not pass up the opportunity to have a little fun while reusing, restyling, and repurposing old salwar suits into new garments or artistic items.
The ‘Euphoria’ walked her first Met Gala red carpet in a black seductive old style Hollywood ensemble by Miu Miu. She accessorised it with a Cartier diamond choker, crimson lipstick, and sleek hair waves…reports N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe
One of the most important nights in fashion, music, and the art world, The Met Gala, saw A-list celebrities bring their A-game to the red carpet. ‘Gilded Glamour’ was the theme of this edition of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute’s Gala in New York.
For a change instead of the drama and over the top gowns and costumes, this year’s turnout was sleek, glamorous and chic. Take a look:
Kim Kardashian
The business mogul who juggles a variety of portfolios, including reality TV star, owner of SKIMS, and KKW beauty, walked the red carpet in a shimmery Balenciaga gown, was once worn by Marilyn Monroe in 1962. Monroe wore the gown while singing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. She revealed in a recent Instagram post, “Met Gala — In America: An Anthology of Fashion. I am so honoured to be wearing the iconic dress that Marilyn Monroe wore in 1962 to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. It is a stunning skintight gown adorned with more than 6,000 hand-sewn crystals by costumier Jean Louis. Thank you Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for giving me the opportunity to debut this evocative piece of fashion history for the first time since the late Marilyn Monroe wore it. I am forever grateful for this moment.” Katy Perry
Styled by Tatiana Waterford, singer and song writer Katy Perry captioned her Met Gala Instagram photo “Darling darkness.” Dressed to the nines in an Oscar de la Renta gown, she completed her ensemble with Aquazzura stilettos and Briony Raymond jewellery.
Blake Lively
Blake Lively arrived at the Met Gala red carpet with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, wearing an embellished gown with a large bow from Versace inspired by the architecture of the Empire State Building. She transformed her gown as she walked up the grand stairs of the MET from rose gold to aqua. Maude Apatow
The ‘Euphoria’ walked her first Met Gala red carpet in a black seductive old style Hollywood ensemble by Miu Miu. She accessorised it with a Cartier diamond choker, crimson lipstick, and sleek hair waves.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner, the beauty mogul, was supposed to attend the Met Gala with American designer Virgil Abloh before it was postponed in 2020. Dolled up in an Off-White gown to honour Virgil, who died in 2021 after a two-year battle with cancer. Kylie caption her behind the scene Met Gala Instagram post, “Virgil and I was supposed to go to the Met together before it got postponed in 2020. To celebrate V tonight and his incredible legacy truly means the world to me. I’m humbled to wear this dress and honor my talented beautiful friend. we felt you tonight Virgil and love you forever.”
Plique-a-jour rings in feathery silhouettes are perfect for a new and fresh spring-summer look and can add a subtle amount of colour that is surely set to have your co-workers wondering about your new and upgraded jewellery collection…reports Asian Lite News
Offices across the country have begun opening their doors for employees, and this means that its time to bring out all our formal staples and accessories. While we may have been enjoying work from home culture and comfy home outfits for the past two years, there is always a charm involved with coming to the workplace and spending time with your co-workers and dressing up in chic, yet classy outfits once again.
While office looks can sometimes be limited to shirts, trousers and suits, there are always simple pieces of jewellery that can truly transform your OOTD to something that looks extremely elegant and straight out of a Pinterest page. The right kind of accessories can augment your workwear style and is the perfect asset to help you put together an outfit that is both fabulous and professional at the same time.
To help you pick out the right kind of jewellery for your wardrobe, Vipin Sharma, Chief Merchandising Officer at Bluestone has drawn up a list of trends that we are likely to see this season that is perfect to elevate your style quotient at the workplace.
Chevron Rings
V-shaped rings, wishbone rings and stacking rings – the uniquely iconic Chevron Rings may go by many names, but the symbolic, and fashionist element of these rings has stayed the same since the 1800s. This quintessential design of the slight V-shaped curve, coupled with an elegant and dainty band is known to represent prosperity and hope and is often passed down as a heritage piece across generations. With a modern touch in elegant designs and diamonds, the Chevron Ring can truly stand as a dainty jewelled studded embellishment, perfect for daytime corporate looks. Chevron rings are especially brilliant for those who don’t want to wear jewellery that is too prominent, but rather something that adds a little bit of sparkle to your outfit.
Charm Rings
2022 is the year, 2000’s fashion is making a comeback, and what better way to wear the iconic 2000s charms, than a ring. Charm rings are the newest trend this season, and can help you don the classic 2000s fashion, in a subtle and minimalist way. If you are looking to add this new ring trend to your jewellery trousseau, consider choosing ones with a simple gold or platinum band, with two or three charms in elegant, but fun shapes. Charm Rings in gold, rose gold or silver, pair well with structured blazers and classic shirts, and can add a subtle pop of metallic tones to an otherwise monochrome outfit.
Plique-a-jour
Enamel jewellery may have been a big trend in 2021, but this year, enamel jewellery is taking on a new and upgraded facade with the Plique-a-jour trend. Plique-a-jour is a unique technique wherein a small amount of coloured enamel is applied in cells surrounded by metal, without a backing on the enamel portion of the product, which gives the enamel a unique stained glass effect as light shines through. The result? A unique piece of art that you can pair with daytime and nighttime looks. Plique-a-jour rings in feathery silhouettes are perfect for a new and fresh spring-summer look and can add a subtle amount of colour that is surely set to have your co-workers wondering about your new and upgraded jewellery collection.
Earcuffs
For those who want their officewear jewellery to be dainty, but bold at the same time, ear cuffs are the answer. This unique trend recently gained recognition on social media after being worn by Kendall Jenner at the recent Oscars 2022 red carpet and is set to become one of the biggest trends in minimalist jewellery this season. Earcuffs are a perfect addition to a corporate look if you are someone who likes to wear your hair in a ponytail, or a slick back fashion, drawing attention to some of your most prominent and beautiful features. Earcuffs are also the go-to solution for those who want to wear a double earring but don’t want to go out and get a second piercing. Pair your ear cuffs with a set of smart casuals and coloured blazers, and you have got yourself a look that is ready to steal the (office) show.
ID Bracelets
ID Bracelets have emerged as one of the most unexpected, yet welcomed jewellery trends of the year. While ID Bracelets have traditionally been one of the few jewellery pieces men like to wear, many brands are increasingly becoming gender non-confirmative, and are making ID bracelets in delicate designs and elegant looks, for women as well. Bracelets with a soft and subtle chain coupled with a simple engravable plate made from gold, silver or platinum pair well with Indian, and western formal outfits. Right from a sari to formal dress, these classy bracelets can go with just about anything, and can even include words of affirmation, or names of loved ones to keep you motivated to achieve your goals and aim for the sky at your workplace.
Wondering what to wear for Eid celebrations? Is there anything more flattering than a stunning and effortless kurta set? Take your cue from Bollywood’s fashionable set…reports Olivia Sarkar
Sonakshi Sinha – Sonakshi’s chickenkari kurta set in pastel pink is a great pick for a formal dinner.
Parineeti Chopra – Parineeti Chopra stunning in an off-white anarkali suit featuring lace work, accessorised with simple earrings and Fizzy Goblet juttis works for an Eid lunch.
Janhvi Kapoor – Janhvi Kapoor’s casual kurta in bright yellow is fuss-free an ideal choice for hot afternoons and high-teas. The kurta draped with a matching, light dupatta features vibrant floral embroidery along the neckline.
Sara Ali Khan – Who doesn’t adore Sara’s ethnic ensemble? These eye-catching suit designs for the airport is travel friendly.
Kangana Ranaut – A simple pastel pink cotton kurta with palazzo on a hot summer day especially if you’re working will see you through the long hours.
Katrina Kaif – Have a glamorous Eid celebration to attend.? Katrina Kaif’s monochrome look in peach is as formal as it gets. The ensemble is a Sabyasachi Mukherjee creation.
Karisma Kapoor – The stylish actress wears a minimal kurta in cream for a day out in the sun.
Alia Bhatt – Newlywed actress Alia Bhatt clearly understands that elegance is found in simplicity. This traditional patiala-shalwar is young and sophisticated.
Chopra accessorised her look with diamond jewellery and pointed heels. The fit, style and styling all worked in her favour…reports Asian Lite News
While summer fashion is mostly about fun florals and soft pastels, this time there’s some shimmer on the list as well. The trend has made a major resurgence, both on and off the runway.
At the recent Alia-Ranbir post-wedding celebration, a bunch of celebrities dressed in sequins and glitter. If you’re looking to experiment with the season’s preferred trend and need some inspiration, look no further.
Go Shorty- Kriti Sanon
For the promotion of her latest film, Kriti Sanon wore a bright orange dress from Dubai-based brand Alina Anwar Couture. Sequin dresses are a great celebratory option and they work in all kinds of hues – metallics, pastels or neons. The actress completed the look with a pair of solid gold earrings.
Statement Pieces- Ananya Panday
Ananya Panday closed the show for designers Falguni Shane Peacock at the recently held fashion week in Delhi in a shimmery pink trail dress. At another celebration, the Gen-Z star was spotted in a black and silver sheer dress. Panday clearly likes to shine brightest of them all.
A for Asymmetrical- Parineeti Chopra
Off-late, Parineeti Chopra’s fashion choices have been pretty on-point. Her stylist Tanya Ghavri picked a ruby red asymmetrical dress for the actress. Chopra accessorised her look with diamond jewellery and pointed heels. The fit, style and styling all worked in her favour.
Flowy and Fabulous-Kangana Ranaut
Taking a break from her usual handwoven saris and cotton kurtas, Kangana Ranaut was recently spotted in a striking Valentino gown. The actress has gone super glam for the reality series that she’s hosting. To make things more dramatic and edgy, Ranaut opted for purple highlighted eyes, a gold necklace and gladiator sandals.
Bodycon Is Back- Janhvi Kapoor
Like many of her contemporaries, Janhvi Kapoor too has joined the shimmer bandwagon. For her last few outings, Kapoor opted for a sparkly silver bodycon number from Falguni Shane Peacock, a metallic mini dress and mirror gown, both from Manish Malhotra.
“Every love story is unique, and @manishmalhotra05 beautifully narrates her beginning tale of a joyous forever,” added Manish…reports Asian Lite News
Celebrated fashion designer Manish Malhotra has revealed on social media that the fuchsia pink lehenga for actress Alia Bhatt’s mehendi ceremony took 3,000 hours to make and that it featured 180 textile patches.
Reminiscing about the work that went into creating this masterpiece, Manish wrote: “A treasure of traceability and trust. The very beautiful #ManishMalhotraBride. The very beautiful #ManishMalhotraBride @aliaabhatt chose to personalise her Mehendi ensemble with a sustainable approach, where approximately 180 textiles patches come together to mark her momentous occasion, the most special one indeed.”
Malhotra said that the “custom touches reminisce about her journey and depict symbolic elements of her memories. Inscribed through Kashmiri and Chikankari threads, the passionate 3,000-hour intricate handwork of #Mijwan women features a fuchsia pink Lehenga and a blouse embellished in real gold and silver nakshi and kora flowers, and vintage gold metal sequins from kutch.”
Talking about the technique, the designer shared: “The patches are woven together using a couture technique of cross-stitches with three tar and six tar anchors. Edged in real gold zari and appliques, this handwoven silk ensemble also carries Banarasi brocades, jacquard, bandhani, Kachha Resham knots, and some scraps from brides’ earlier outfits and detailing from #ManishMalhotraArchives.”
“Every love story is unique, and @manishmalhotra05 beautifully narrates her beginning tale of a joyous forever,” added Manish.
Ranbir and Alia got married in an intimate wedding on April 14.
The marriage was followed with a party on Saturday night which was attended by celebrities such as Gauri Khan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Karan Johar, Ayan Mukerji, Shakun Batra, Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor, Aadar Jain with girlfriend Tara Sutaria, Anushka Ranjan with husband Aditya Seal, and Akansha Ranjan Kapoor.
Wear the long or short, or even the mom short style which is a loose-fitting high-waisted shorts which was a big in the 1990s. Kangana teams her pair with a t-shirt and ankle length boots…Olivia Sarkar
They say fashion repeats itself every ten years and the 90s were an unforgettable fashion decade! Here’s a look at some comeback trends this season.
Dungarees
You remember wearing them as a child, and now that you’re an adult, you won’t mind wearing them again! Parineeti Chopra rocks a pair with a typical 90s stripe -shirt.
Mesh Tops
Mesh tops are not new in fashion nor are they gym wear, in fact, it was popular in the 1990s as well thrown over a pair of body hugging leggings. Deepika Padukone slays in this glam style.
Denim Shirts
A perennial favourite amongst the hip and stylish, a denim shirt goes a long dressed up or down to your taste. Bhatt wears hers in the modern half tuck-in style, but Urmila Matondkar championed the look in the 1990s.
Denim Shorts
Wear the long or short, or even the mom short style which is a loose-fitting high-waisted shorts which was a big in the 1990s. Kangana teams her pair with a t-shirt and ankle length boots.
Pinafore
Remember the cute little pinafore Anjali wore in ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’? It’s taken a stylish new turn, with patchwork and a shorter length. Kriti Sanon steals the look in her green pinafore.
Cold shoulder
The cold was a part of Karishma Kapoor’s style in the 1990s for her film ‘Raja Hindustani’ and now three decades later Shraddha Kapoor teams hers with a pair of jeans.
The Layering Kimono jacket
A go to for everyone the long over shirt or kimono style jacket is a hit. Sonakshi Sinha carries one as her daily go-to but it was Preity Zinta who wore it often in the 1990s.
Speaking about The World of Valaya the designer revealed, “This is my dream space which has been delayed by two years because of the pandemic…reports Tanya Banon
Hot on the heels of the release of his bridge-to-luxury line at the recently held FDCI x LFW fashion week, veteran designer JJ Valaya launched his all-new flagship experience, The World of Valaya, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Aerocity, New Delhi.
The designer’s love for cohesive spaces harks back to his first standalone fashion and lifestyle store from back in 1996 – which was spread across a stately one-acre farm in New Delhi’s Chattarpur. Today redefining the benchmark of luxury fashion and lifestyle in India, Valaya launched his 12,000- square feet, two-story concept store featuring the designer’s three primary loves under one roof – Fashion, Home, and Photography.
Speaking about The World of Valaya the designer revealed, “This is my dream space which has been delayed by two years because of the pandemic. I had a fabulous show in 2019 and then unfortunately everything was put on hold in 2020 and 2021, so this is extra special and I wanted the launch to be spectacular. I’m so pleased with the way it has turned out and grateful for the appreciation everyone has shown.”
As you step into Valaya’s world, the ground floor houses JJV, the all-new-bridge-to-luxury eco-conscious collection made from Tencel Luxe, along with Valaya’s books on photography; fashion accessories such as pocket squares, cufflinks, scarves, belts and a selection of Valaya Home furniture. “I believe we’ve always been a prime example of sustainability… couture by its very nature is sustainable. Our clothes are still coming back for resizing which speaks to the quality, purpose and responsibility we have demonstrated with our brand. Sustainability has always been at the heart of JJ Valaya and this travel based occasion wear line with Tencel Luxe is eco-friendly. Decades later our couture and formal pieces are timeless, if that doesn’t reflect sustainability then I’m not sure what does,” adds the designer.
The world of Valaya
Walking down the Art Deco-inspired staircase into the capacious lower level, you find yourself standing under a grand chandelier in the resplendent Jamawar Gallery featuring walls fabricated using original antique jamawar shawls and Art Deco inlay flooring. This leads to the central artery of the space – the grand passage in black and white with a signature chevron ceiling illuminated by a series of pendant lights.
To the left of the central passage lies the fashion section housing the women’s wear & menswear collections, a couture museum showcasing single-edition masterpieces, a precious jewellery showcase, and the private lounge for bespoke consultations, Le Salon du Musee. Here one will find the legendary Valaya embroideries in the finest of Couture for women and men besides a showcase of the Fabled Alika Jacket, The Shifting Leaves Chevron Line as well as a line of Jhalamand House shirts. Also featured here is a line of men’s shoes, Cufflinks, pocket squares and buttons and scarves, belts and headbands for women. This space also introduces the JJ Valaya line of precious jewellery (crafted in association with Jagdish Jewellers Chandigarh, creators of the maharaja’s jewels since 1866).
“Couture will always be important to me as I like to be part of people’s celebrations – fashion is always evolving and The World of Valaya is a tribute to my forefathers. I’m so glad for the appreciation shown. I’m also very proud for our precious jewelry line and Valaya Home. This multidisciplinary space remains rooted in quintessential Valaya sensibilities,” states JJ.
The world of Valaya
To the right of the alley, a black arched entrance with signature Valaya wall tapestries brings you to the central Altar Lobby of the Home section where you can meander through five seamlessly interconnected zones – the living room, the bar with its dedicated lounge, the dining room, and the bedroom – for a complete Valaya Home experience. Every product at the store has been designed, developed, or curated by the master couturier, reflecting the synergy of modern, maximal, and multi-cultural elements while the space has been designed by Valaya Home.
Marked by a cohesive design language, Valaya Home is where the brand’s core ethos comes alive, that of the royal nomad with a penchant for Art Deco. Here, expect to find the all-new line of Valaya fine furniture, lush carpets, lighting solutions, and fine art. In addition, rare vintage finds handpicked by the designer himself, sourced from the Far East, Turkey, the Orient, and the interiors of India, as well as the complete oeuvre of the designer’s art photography can be discovered in this section.
“The whole concept of having a Valaya home experience as part of the World of Valaya is to showcase the look and feel of what our sensibilities can create in spaces. We are here to introduce to the world a Valaya lifestyle with our own unique language of sophisticated grandeur. We strongly believe that whoever comes to shop with us for clothes would have a natural affinity towards Valaya Home and vice versa,” says JJ Valaya.
In a world of fast fashion and consumerism reign, the store is a testament to heritage, craftsmanship and reputation. Says the designer, “I couldn’t have imagined a better time time for Indian fashion as corporates, two of them to be specific are on a shopping spree and have picked up a lot of Indian brands, this changes the game at so many levels. I’m so glad this is happening, it’s good for Indian fashion, it’s good for the industry and it’s good for the country. It will also make a great difference for Indian brands internationally. Passion leads to the creation of a reputation and a name, but when corporatisation comes in, that’s when it truly evolves and becomes a brand.”
Valaya reveals he has many more surprises in the weeks to come as this is also the year he celebrates three decades in the industry. “In 2022, we get ready to celebrate 30 years of being in fashion, I am very confident that the World of Valaya, too, will herald and celebrate a new chapter for luxury in India.”
