JJ Valaya ends AIFW SS’17 with panache

New Delhi: With much grandeur, glitz, live music and jazzed up lights, ace designer JJ Valaya and Alpana-Neeraj went all out at the grand finale of the Amazon India Fashion Week (AIFW) Spring-Summer 2017 here on Sunday.

Starting with a voice-over by actor Kabir Bedi talking about ‘guru shishya parampara’, the much awaited night began with a beautiful Kathak dance performance.

Lights suspended from the ceiling lent beauty and glamour to the simple ramp while live Rajasthani folk singers gave a rustic touch to the grand showcase of glittery collections.

“The theme was India – modern and festive. Though we pulled through, it was quite a challenge,” Alpana told media here.

“Guru Shishya parampara has been a very integral part of Indian culture. Within FDCI, every designer has worked with a senior designer at some point. So it was like the whole spirit of FDCI had come together in one show,” she added.

Talking about the collection, Valaya shared that the marriage of three different collections was a challenge.

“It was meant to be spectacular. When the whole concept came about, there was no doubt it had to be us. The challenge was two radically different looks coming together as one collection,” Valaya said.

“This collection was about maximalism, using any and every technique but in a very controlled manner. We segregated it into three collections. First, in a very royal and antique look, second in metallic and mirror work and third, going into a nomadic look,” he said.

The ensembles consisted of lehengas, cholis, long modern dresses and capes with lot a of zari and swarovski work on fabrics like velvet.

Talking about the comeback of velvet, Valaya said: “Velvets are back and how. This season velvet is coming back in a big way. Metallics were also a huge trend this week,” Valaya said.

The five-day long fashion extravaganza ended on Sunday.

IANS