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In 1989, JJ Valaya stepped into a nascent fashion Industry in India as a student of its first, and only
fashion institute, the NIFT. In 1992, he, along with his brother, an ex-army man, TJ Singh, launched his
eponymous label. He therefore enjoys the privilege of being a part of the pioneering group of Indian fashion
designers … the ones who started the style revolution for Modern India. He is a founding member of the Board
of Governors of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), and the first official brand ambassador for
global crystal giant, Swarovski, a brand he continues to work with passionately.
He is considered one of India’s leading fashion pioneers and founder of one of its most respected luxury
fashion and lifestyle houses, a journey that has earned him the title of the ‘Czar of Indian Couture’. No
words perhaps best describe the Valaya brand than the one made by the Maharani of Kapurthala on a visit to
his atelier: “You are truly the future of the past”
THE TIMELINE
WALK DOWN THE MEMORY LANE OF OUR 28 YEAR LEGACY
1989 - 1991
In 1989, JJ Valaya joins the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) New Delhi, India.
In 1990, JJ Valaya becomes the first Indian student to win the Prix d' Incitation at the Young Designers
International Competition held in Paris. This event was organised by the Concours International des Jeunes
Createurs de Mode.
In 1991, JJ Valaya wins the Elyxa award and the Thapar-DuPont medal at the NIFT graduation show, New Delhi
for the most innovative use of fabric.
1992
In 1992 JJ Valaya wins the first prize at the NIFT Alumni Competition held in Mumbai. This show was jointly
organised by KLM and NIFT. JJ Valaya & his brother, TJ Singh join hands. JJ VALAYA the brand is launched.
1993 - 1995
In 1993, JJ Valaya becomes the first Indian design house to hold a solo show in India. From 1993 to 1995, JJ
Valaya label introduced in various upmarket stores in India and overseas. Also has shows in major Indian
cities as well as in London, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong.
1996 India’s largest single designer store (till date) JJ Valaya 'Life' opens in New Delhi. The store,
spread over an area of one acre, announced the evolution of the label into a holistic statement in Luxury
lifestyle and included womenswear, menswear, soft furnishings, signature tapestries, art, a fine dining
Restaurant, a florist, an art gallery and other verticals. Shows held in Hong Kong and Manchester.
1993 - 1995
In 1998, JJ Valaya becomes the first Indian designer to show along with an American designer (Todd Oldham)
in New York at the Plaza Hotel, 5th avenue in Manhattan.
In 1999, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) created. JJ Valaya is a founder board member of the
Governing council.
2001
In 2001, JJ Valaya spring summer collection showcased during the haute couture week in Paris. JJ Valaya
shows in Germany and Singapore.
JJ Valaya appointed as the first ever brand ambassador for the crystal component division of Swarovski,
India
2002 A decade of ‘JJ Valaya’ is celebrated though two grand shows in New Delhi and Mumbai.
A JJ Valaya special preview is hosted in London by Nadja Swarovski.
2003 The Valaya Factory moves into a new 40,000 sq. ft. facility in Manesar, Gurgaon
2004 The First international flagship store of JJ Valaya opens in Dubai.
2006
2006 JJ Valaya ‘Muse’ launched. Single edition haute Couture through personal appointments at the Flagship
stores only. Valayafnp.Fleur, India’s first and largest luxury flower boutique concept also launched in New
Delhi.
2007
JJ Valaya launches VU (Valaya Update), an in house publication, a first ever from an Indian fashion house.
2009
2009
The second international flagship store of JJ Valaya opens in San Francisco.
2011
JJ Valaya holds his first fine Art photography show titled DECODED PARADOX
2012
JJ Valaya completes 2 decades in fashion, marked by the release of a very special calendar where the Indian
Fashion Fraternity got captured in JJ Valaya Couture garments
2013
2017-2019
2017 JJ Valaya celebrates 25 years of the brand with a very special evening titled THE ALIKA PROJECT in association with Swarovski.
2019 JJ Valaya returns to the runway after a 2 year hiatus with a spectacular collection & show TABRIZ.
2022
@ Valaya 2022
JJ Valaya
A renowned designer, a celebrated couturier, a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), and
the first global brand ambassador of Crystal giant Swarovski, JJ Valaya is also known as the Monarch of Indian
Fashion. JJ Valaya was born on 8 October in Jodhpur, India, to an army family and grew up in various cities in
India along with his two older brothers.
About JJ Valaya - The Designer
JJ Valaya graduated from Chandigarh College with a degree in commerce. Following his graduation, Valaya worked as
a chartered accountant. Having worked as a CA for 18 months, the designer enrolled in NIFT, Delhi, in 1989 to let
his creativity run wild. In the world of fashion, JJ Valaya's exquisite bridal trousseau, splendid hand-made
embroideries, meriting craftsmanship, and unique contemporary attires are causing a stir. Known for his exotic
styles, vibrant colors, refined silhouettes, and impeccable hand-made embroidery: his pieces evoke a sense of
timelessness.
JJ Valaya - Signature Designs
The philosophy of JJ Valaya is to create for today, not for tomorrow. JJ Valaya has been hugely motivated by
history and wants to make it relevant today. Customers have access to the finest in the world today. JJ Valaya
offers a mix of royalty and elegance. JJ Valaya's pieces showcase appreciation of history and find great magic in
exploring the mysteries of various cultures to create something new. JJ Valaya believes Indian fashion houses must
take the responsibility to nurture crafts and artisans. The designer is fascinated by beads, metals, buttons,
gemstones, and sequins. As per the designer, embroidery is a medium that lends itself to anything that the mind
can perceive. The use of metal embroidery is common in the designer's work. The presence of materials like dabka,
kora, and mukaish is spotted in his designs in a contemporary way. JJ Valaya believes in experimenting with the
medium without compromising on the purity of the technique.
JJ Valaya Designer Clothing For Women & Men
JJ Valaya is well-known for his couture, regal designs, and bridal wear. Over the past three decades, JJ Valaya
has been designing clothing for men and women. The designer offers bridal, evening, day, and ready-to-wear
collections. He is best known for lavishly using metal embroidery, gemstones, and beads in his creation.JJ Valaya
sarees, dresses, skirt sets, lehenga, kurta sets for women, suit sets, and jackets are for the fashionable
contemporary woman. He also offers designer menswear fashion with a wide range of sherwanis, embroidered kurtas
for men, Nehru jacket sets, britches, bandhgala, jackets, kurtas, and shirts.
JJ Valaya Awards & Achievements
JJ Valaya has contributed enormously to the perishing arts and crafts of India. He has a long list of
achievements in his journey as an acclaimed fashion designer and beyond. Here are a few of them: In 1990, he won
the Prix d'Incitation in Paris, becoming the first Indian student to win an international award in fashion. JJ
Valaya won many other awards during his time in NIFT, such as The Thapar-Dupont Medal, The Elyxa award, and the
KLM-NIFT Trophy.During his school years, he exhibited the highest level of creative ability as he remained the
most outstanding artist and calligraphist in school for five years straight. The creative spark was there from the
get-go. In 1992, he launched his brand JJ Valaya alongside his brother TJ Singh. His brand consisted of haute
couture pieces that won him high honors from the fashion world. Aside from being a prominent player in the fashion
industry, he is also involved with various products such as haute couture, footwear, and tapestry. Along with his
brother JJ Valaya launched Valaya Home in 1996 and a prêt label, Studio Valaya, in 1999.JJ Valaya had a passion
for fine art photography as well. He published his first book titled, Decoded Paradox in 2011. Interestingly, he
debuted at Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) in the same year.
Celebrities in JJ Valaya
In 2003, he launched his pret line. The collections are not only showcased pan-India but globally. Celebrities
like Joseph Fiennes, Cate Blanchett, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor were spotted wearing his creations. JJ
Valaya collaborated with the Oscar-winner Ruth E Carter to create a series of exclusive pieces for the film. With
the leading protagonist as a celebrated actor, Eddie Murphy, and renowned costume designer Ruth Carter, JJ Valaya
has marked a spot for Indian fashion on the international map.
