Gazal Gupta Fashion Designer Born and brought up in Delhi, Gazal started her career as a kindergarten teacher, and soon enough realised her desire to be an entrepreneur. She started out small, designing wedding trousseaus and gift packaging for gifting ,which over time drew her into the beautiful world of Indian ethnic wear. Somewhere along the line she developed an obsession for fine fabrics, weaves, embroideries, colours and the various little details that go into making an irresistible garment. Today the Gazal Gupta family comprises of more than 500 craftsmen and creative designers from across the country. She believes in appreciating the present, being consistent and constantly learning are her mantras for a successful life. Gazal further adds, “Don’t be scared of failure, they will make you stronger than you could ever be.” “Luxury is the freedom of giving, no amount of possessing can beat that joy.” J J Valaya Founder of JJ Valaya, JJV Kapurthala and Valaya Home In 1989, JJ Valaya stepped into the nascent fashion Industry in India as a student of its first, and only fashion institute, the NIFT. In 1992, the man, along with his brother, ex-army man TJ Singh, launched his eponymous label. He enjoys the privilege of being a part of the pioneering group of Indian fashion designers, the ones who started the style revolution for Modern India. He is a founding member of the Board of Governors of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), and the first official brand ambassador for global crystal giant, Swarovski, a brand he continues to work with passionately. He is considered one of India’s leading fashion pioneers and founder of one of its most respected luxury fashion and lifestyle houses, a journey that has earned him the title of the ‘Czar of Indian Couture’. No words perhaps best describe the Valaya brand better than the one made by the Maharani of Kapurthala on a visit to his atelier: “You are truly the future of the past.” A larger-than-life approach to luxury fashion and lifestyle has been the distinguished hallmark of JJ “Luxebook to me is the number one choice for any form of credible reference when it comes to luxury in India.” Valaya, who considers himself a “Royal Nomad with a penchant for all things Art Deco”. Today it is his edgy classicism and a royal sophistication that truly defines the well-known and timeless Valaya ethos. Apart from being a designer he’s also a prolific photographer, with architectural forms piquing his interest. As he says, “Work doesn’t seem like work to me, I’m extremely comfortable revelling in doing what I do.” 42 | | 43
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