The giant Spanish galleon against the backdrop of the raging ocean mural on the stage from where the models emerged was designed keeping every detail of the ship in mind. 14 white giant silk umbrellas dotted the venue, placed amongst the audience, who experienced a sensational fashionable sea journey of grandeur and opulence woven by Valaya in his characteristic style.
To emphasise the theme further, group of Indian kathak dancers on the ramp and a fiery Spanish flamenco performer on the top deck of the ship opened the show with a frenzied jugalbandi to Indian and Spanish melodies.
Divided into five sub inspirations, the garments were an astonishing amalgamation of Spanish and Indian elements that came together seamlessly.
The blue/red, rose embroidery, rust, red/printed and the final lehengas and jackets revealed a sensational mix of panelled lehengas, peplum blouses, long luxurious gowns, sensational saris, which were so elaborately embroidered that they mesmerised the audience and held them spell bound with wonder.
Cream and red in ombré tones were a delightful mix for bordered multi-tiered one-shoulder gowns. Intense embellishments flowed down drop waist will-power floor length creations with layers of grey tulle. A melangé of embroidered panels added to the grace of long sleeved maxis.
Shades of red a favoured colour combo enabled Valaya to create magic on the runway. Velvet embroidered boleros added pizzazz to shaded grey maroon tulle gowns. Satin shaded saris worn with long sleeved glittering cholis had the slender gold belts at the waist. Attention grabbers were lehengas with giant paisleys that had a marked flamenco dancer’s dress inspiration.
Asymmetric Anarkalis kissed the floor as shimmering bodices added to the drama. Shararas layered with tulle over embroidered brocade were a picture of grandeur; while matador inspired dupattas were jauntily draped over encrusted kurtas. Roses, paisleys and Spanish motifs appeared in myriad colours.
The creative head ornaments included hair bands and gold turbans, while for the final section it was flowing hair that gave the models the perfect image for the collection.
Men’s wear was flamboyant with the Spanish touches making a great impression in the form of embroidery for the sherwanis, Bandgalas, printed dhotis and the lavish ornate dupattas. Floor length printed panelled red sherwani was one of the magnificent entries.
Ending the show was the glamorous Bollywood star of hit film “Jannat” Esha Gupta who dazzled in an Indo/Spanish inspired embroidered vision of a Lehenga, halter choli and orange net dupatta.
The front row had familiar faces like Anjana Sukhani, Vidya Malvade, Rohit Roy, Dino Morea, Richa Chadda, Mandira Bedi, Kunal Kohli and Kabir Bedi.
J J Valaya created a truly regal collection to end Day Four with great style and finesse at the fifth Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, when he unveiled his “The Maharaja of Madrid” collection, which was one of his most exquisite displays seen on the catwalk.
