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IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
We bring you the grand finale of Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week by master couturier JJ Valaya. Photographs: Sanjay Sawant/Rediff.com
The curtain came down on Bridal Week in Mumbai last night, but not before veteran designer JJ Valaya had dazzled the audience with his latest offerings.
The line, called 'The Azrak Collection - The Realm of the Sultan', was a Turkish-inspired fantasy, drawing influences from the Ottoman Empire that translated into elegant ethnicwear.
What's more, there were several big names on the runway -- Rahul Dev, Salim Merchant and Nargis Fakhri, to name a few.
Move to the following pages to see just how it all unfolded.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
The setting and production were nothing if not lavish -- Turkish lamps glittered above, as a market setting was recreated on the runway.
The backdrop consisted of balconies and domes and the showing started off with an aerial dance performance by two gymnasts on fabric trails.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
The ramp action then kicked off with this sheer paneled kurta, worn over churidaars and teamed with an ornate waistcoat.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Former models Rahul Dev and Ranjeev Mulchandani made a return to the catwalk in striking black and white ensembles.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Rachel Bayros stepped out wearing this grey and white shaded sari and silver bolero.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Models Alesia Raut and Shriya Kishore pose in intricate floral threadwork numbers, featuring sheer detailing.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Musician Salim Merchant looked nonchalant as he strolled out in a black embroidered waistcoat and kurta.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
This beautiful one-shouldered gown was the cynosure of all eyes.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Bikram Saluja also made a modelling comeback, strutting out confidently in a shaded white-grey sherwani.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
A floor-length turquoise kurta replete with embroidery makes a statement.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Delicate gold florals are the first hint of sparkle, embellishing a wispy tulle sari and contrast choli.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
French marketing consultant for luxury brands Emmanuel Balayer was seen in a festive grey paisley embroidered sherwani -- and it was a pleasant surprise to see Narendra Kumar Ahmed take to the runway for Valaya in this grey bundgala, speaking volumes about the warm equation between the two designers.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
In contrasting shades of blue and beige, these long skirt and shirt combinations sported Turkish prints.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Tasteful sequinned outfits that gave off a fusion feel were also part of the line-up.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
The designer offers up a sort of semi-sari, worn with a gleaming gold bustier and churidaar pants.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Vibrant red makes its first appearance courtesy this swirling satin creation.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Businessman and socialite Suresh Bhojwani and DJ Aqeel Ali added to the celeb quotient of the show in earthy, ethnic hues.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Shonal Rawat sailed out in a lovely empire-waist number with drop sleeves.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
When the designer's lehengas took centrestage, it turned out they were all inspired by Turkish art and architecture as is apparent from the pattern on this ethnic jacket.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
It was all about bridal couple couture as the menswear complemented the women's designs.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
In a bold backless maxi, Surelee Joseph was a picture of contemporary elegance.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
A trio of jackets worn with a flared kurta, petal skirt and tights showcase the designer's versatility.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Socialite Mozez Singh and restaurateur A D Singh showstopped in similar grey and gold jackets.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Drapes featured fluid fabrics of a sheer nature and fading colours -- the one on the left was teamed with a jacket and the one on the right, interestingly, with a shawl.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
These male models truly looked like royalty in Valaya's most opulent menswear offerings.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Nethra Raghuraman and Anjali Lavania look like a million bucks in these rich red bridal ensembles.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
In luxurious maroon and gold, you could well believe Deepti Gujral was making her way to the altar.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Here we see another extravagant design, the hem and dupatta inlaid with semi-precious stones.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
Nargis Fakhri left everyone awed as she made her way out in a velvet wine-coloured kalidaar coat, layered over a white kurta and churidaars.
IMAGES: Breathtaking bridalwear from JJ Valaya!
And finally the man himself, JJ Valaya, took to the ramp, accompanied by all his famous muses.