Esha Gupta
Esha Gupta

The first thing you noticed when you entered the main show area at JJ Valaya‘s India Bridal Week showing was a massive red ship positioned strategically at the base of the ramp. The mammoth structure was deigned to look like a ship from the Spanish armada of yore – (they were called Galleons) – and when the show started, a lithe lady in a red dress sensuously danced the flamenco on the decks.

By now, it was pretty apparent that JJ’s line was inspired by Spain and he has aptly titled this collection, The Maharaja of Madrid. As the models emerged from the Galleon on to the ramp, the audience were transported to a time of romance and chivalry and daring conquests of exotic foreign lands. For not only did Valaya’s male models look regal and resplendent but his brides also looked like they were ready to be swept away into the arms of a rakish, swashbuckling suitor.

A design by JJ Valaya
A design by JJ Valaya
A design by JJ Valaya
A design by JJ Valaya
A design by JJ Valaya
A design by JJ Valaya

Even though JJ Valaya’s silhouettes were quintessentially Indian (sarees, lehengas, sherwanis), he infused the Spanish element in to his creations in the form of rose motifs in the embroidery. Blouses with peplums, velvet embroidered boleros and the occasional long gown also saw the occidental influences in this traditional line-up of silhouettes.

A design by JJ Valaya
A design by JJ Valaya
A design by JJ Valaya
A design by JJ Valaya

Closing the show was actress Esha Gupta who looked every inch a Spanish Contessa in a Spanish-inspired version of a lehenga, halter choli and orange net dupatta. Needless to add, she looked like a  million bucks and we can’t wait to see more of her on the ramp and on the silver screen.

JJ Valaya and Esha Gupta
JJ Valaya and Esha Gupta
JJ Valaya and Esha Gupta
JJ Valaya and Esha Gupta

More Photos:

[nggallery id=1544]

Pix: Viral Bhayani for MissMalini