Wills Lifestyle presents a spectacular Grand Finale
Feb 19, 2012
JJ Valaya enthrall the audience with 'AZRAK' on the runway
The Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale by JJ Valaya inspired by the Empire of Ottoman brought down the curtains on Asia's biggest and India's premiere fashion & trade event Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in New Delhi at Pragati Maidan today. ITC's premium lifestyle brand Wills Lifestyle marked their successful collaboration with the veteran couturier by presenting an extravagant grand finale once again.
Recreated on the runway was the famous Grand bazaar, with sights and sounds that take you back to the multicultural city of Istanbul. Amongst human montages, stood a magnificent entrance with detailed architecture on the ramp that unfolded a truly enchanting collection.
The collection named 'AZRAK' meaning rare and uncommon, inspired by some exceptional and unrivalled arts from the Ottoman Empire, showcased a cultural partnership and pact that bore a tradition of rich visual craft unlike anything seen before. Starting with a monochromatic palate in ivories and black, the collection gradually treads into color territory whilst all along deliciously delving into unusual art and craft based forms such as Mother of pearl inlay, Turkish miniatures, Iznik Ceramics, Dramatic weaves of the Sultan's robes, exotic birds and graphic calligraphy! The references were intertwined with JJ Valaya's unique signature style, to create a stunningly beautiful collection for the Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale.
Commenting on the grand finale Atul Chand, Divisional Chief Executive - ITC's Lifestyle Retailing Business Division, said, "JJ Valaya is India's undisputable czar of couture and each ensemble today on the ramp was dazzling with his creative genius. The result has been sheer magnificence."
He added, "Our successful partnership with Valaya has already extended beyond the ramp. Today's grand finale collection will further enrich the Wills Lifestyle Signature Line and Valaya's collection continues to reach out to our customers across all Wills Lifestyle stores in the country".
The choreography was complimented with the musical styling by Gaurav Raina of Midival Punditz. Masterfully presented acts by international artist Volga Tunca playing the Darbuka, Christian Jose Vare playing Kemenche and the oriental belly dance performance by exotic dancer Ekaterinareflected the playful Turkish style of harmony. Lighting up the ramp with their appearance were personalities from various walks of life including fashion, art, entertainment and music. Taking the show to an exhilarating high was Ziya, as she spun in a whirling dervish to bring an end to the glorious presentation.
Reflecting on the grand finale presentation, designer JJ Valaya said, "After two decades, I'm not trying to run a race to fit in with what's going on," says JJ Valaya "I simply am doing what I really have always wanted to do...luxuriously nurture our brand whilst pampering my loyalists with (in) credible design and sublime quality to back it with this collection honors that belief perfectly."
The audiences at the Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale were left spell bound as they witnessed a remarkable show by JJ Valaya reminiscent of the stage performances beautifully complimenting the rich collection.
The Collection - AZRAK
Jackets in quilted modern numbers with traditional detailing find themselves paired with breeches and custom print leggings. Denim makes an appearance, too, but not in its predictable avatars but more as details in harmony with lush velvets and gossamer silks. Specially created prints rule supreme with accents of the famed Valaya embroideries and fine details which truly position this collection as 'The Couture of Pret'.
Primarily based on art forms on Ceramic, Fabric, Paper, Leather and Wood, the collection takes one on a journey of a rich and perhaps forgotten era albeit, in a modern and crisp manner. JJ Valaya re-ignites his love for the past and goes back to a host of Topkapi archives to put together a collection which sets itself apart by combining history with key elements of a classic urban wardrobe. Silhouettes pan a wide spectrum and include internationally accepted styles such as Jackets (and of-course the signature Alika), Dresses, Shirts, Blouses, Skirts and Breeches as well as Indian favorites such as Saris (with a twist) and other fusion coordinates. A select range of menswear compliments the look and feel of the women's wear line.
