JJ Valaya Couture 2012 collection at the PCJ Delhi Couture Week

The JJ Valaya Couture 2012 collection finds its inspiration in the Ottoman Empire.

Azrak in Turkish means ‘rare and uncommon’; a befitting title for this collection as it stands inspired by some exceptional and unrivalled arts from the Ottoman Empire. 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, as often before, 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 interestingly combining history with key elements of a classic urban wardrobe. "Celebratory, modern, nostalgic" are his own words for a collection that starts with a monochromatic palate in ivories and black and then gently 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!