House of style

It's hard not to fall in love with fashion designer JJ Valaya's aesthetics. His designs not only reveal an amalgamation of craft, art and attention to detail, but also a clear refusal to conform to a fad or trend. For the uninitiated (if there are any), you can sum up Valaya's style in three words: regal, bold and decadent.

If Valaya's couture is another word for opulence, Valaya Home Experience Centre (launched recently in the Capital at The Gallery on MG) is merely an extension of that. Spread over an area of 6,000 sq ft, it is located on a level above the JJ Valaya flagship store for fashion. As you walk up the stairs, a feast of exquisite designs begins to unfold. On display are furniture, flooring, wall finishes, wall and ceiling installations, soft furnishings, home accessories and the signature Valaya tapestries, all designed by Valaya.

"Valaya Home is poised to be an uber-luxury player, where exclusivity and bespoke will be the buzzwords," says Valaya, adding, "The Valaya Home Experience Centre is a unique one and demands two distinct approaches; one, a holistic one where the entire space needs to be looked at in totality for its sheer luxury and scale, and then one needs to very carefully revisit it again for the detailing and sheer craftsmanship of its individual pieces."

Every year, Valaya Home will comprise of three interpretations and will be based on inspirations that are in sync with the fashion collections of the same season. The 2014 collection hence finds its inspiration in 'The Nautch of Fez', a collection infusing elements of Morocco with the era of Indian Nautch girls. So, what should you pick up? "Amongst the strongest pieces, the stunning dining table, the stylish amoire bar and the enchanting lal mandir, are exceptional showcases of our vision," explains Valaya.

ITS INCEPTION
This is not the couturier's first foray in home decor. Valaya Home was launched in 1996 with a line of signature tapestries. Then opened, The Home of the Traveler, spread over five floors in Delhi with items (home decor, furniture and lifestyle accessories including rare collectibles sourced from over the world) curated and handpicked by JJ Valaya and TJ Singh. The experience centre, thus was a part of Valaya's natural design evolution. Besides showcasing furniture and accessories Valaya Home will also be undertaking luxury projects including residences and hotels.