THE RUNWAY AT HOME

We've heard of designer wear, now it's time to get familiar with designer homes. Meet the stalwarts who have taken the Indian fashion industry by storm, and have now, also successfully entered the world of decor with utmost ease and detailed precision, blurring lines between the two creative fields. Hailing from extremely diverse backgrounds, watch and learn how each of them combine their education, street smarts, and experience into building their empires.

- NEERJA KAPADIA

JJ Valaya

Valaya Home

WHERE IT BEGAN: Born into a defense family, JJ Valaya completed his education at multiple educational institutions and originally studied to be a chartered accountant. Soon, his interests shifted toward the glamorous world of fashion and in 1989, he joined NIFT. Over the years he honed his skills and eventually went on to become an integral member of the pioneering designers of India.

FASHION: “I suppose it’s a mix of passion, genetics, and luck. My mother was a fantastic children’s-wear designer and my famous late aunt, Parmeshwar Godrej was a renowned interior designer. Creativity runs in our blood.”

EVOLUTION TO DECOR: His first cohesive flagship store, JJ Valaya Life, was incepted in 1996. Ahead of its time, it ran successfully for 15 years after which, The World of Valaya was unveiled in Delhi – a 12,000sqft, two-storey haven featuring all his passions – home, furniture, photography, fashion, and jewelry. This brings us to his evolution toward the decor segment. When asked about what swayed him this way, he says, “It is a process of natural evolution. One does not move towards a segment but into one, akin to penning the next chapter of a bestseller book.”

BLURRING LINES: Finding his expression through beautiful colours, textiles and embroideries, he ardently also pursues photography. Interior design fascinates him as it gives depth to involved characters, solidifying his belief in multiculturism and the beauty of contradictions.