In 1989, JJ Valaya stepped into a nascent fashion industry in India as a student of its first (and only) fashion institute, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). In 1992, he, 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 fashion revolution for India) and is a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). He was also the first official brand ambassador for global crystal giant, Swarovski in India. He is widely regarded as one of India’s leading fashion gurus and as 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 than the one made by the late Maharani of Kapurthala, Gita Devi on a visit to his atelier: “JJ is truly the future of the past”. The brand is known today for its labels JJ VALAYA Couture and its spellbinding Haute Couture (with special emphasis on Indian Bridals), JJV KAPURTHALA, its Bridge-to-luxury brand and VALAYA HOME, its luxury interiors label along with several bespoke luxury design services & licenses.

A larger-than-life approach to luxury fashion & lifestyle has been the distinguished hallmark of this maverick Monarch, who considers himself a “Royal Nomad with a penchant for all things Art Deco”. He revels in contradictions and masterfully combines the mysteries of a resplendent past and its rare crafts with an elegant touch to create a glorious present. Today, it is this edgy sophistication that defines the well-known and timeless Valaya ethos.

Alongside a successful career in luxury Fashion & Lifestyle, JJ Valaya has also indulged in and fostered an increasing love for the visual arts as a critically acclaimed photographer. His first foray into fine art photography in 2011, DECODED PARADOX was a composition of portraiture that attempts to infuse Art, Fashion and Photography into a series of evocative yet cohesive works. Two further exhibits followed this show: SOUL IN THE SPACE in 2013 and LALAARI in 2019. He also has three photography books to his credit and often photographs his own fashion campaigns.

Social Media Handles:

Instagram:
@jjvalaya
@jjv.kapurthala
@valayahome
@jjvalaya_the.other.side (personal/photography)

Facebook:
@jjvalaya
@jjv.kapurthala

Nandita Mahtani is one of India’s first and leading resort wear designers, creating the label NANDITA MAHTANI. Synonymous with a relaxed luxury aesthetic that spans across all things fashion and lifestyle. Known for her attention to detail, her widespread acclaim lies in cutting-edge Indian embroideries subtly translated into modern silhouettes.

Along with Creative Director and sister Anu Hinduja, Nandita introduced AN-Y1, a brand that combines luxury fashion with motorsports. The brand which was launched at the Monaco Grand Prix, promises to bring together adventure, athleisure and performance in a unique way.

She is also the co-founder and creative head of the brand LOVE GEN, alongside her partners Bhavna Pandey and Dolly Sidhwani. She has also collaborated with jewellery designer Farah Khan on creating an exclusive line of Art Deco jewellery. Her loyal clientele include Bollywood & Cricket celebrities to fashion leaders across the globe – South of France, Amalfi Coast, London and New York.

Fashion Weeks: Lakme Fashion Week, Wills India Fashion Week, Blenders Fashion Tour, Australia Fashion Week, Colombo Couture Fest, Chivas Fashion Tour.

Atsu Sekhose launched his eponymous label in 2007 with a philosophy rooted in modern opulence, ineffable style, and a zealous sense of glamour. A graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, Atsu is celebrated for his innovative hand-embroideries, impeccable craftsmanship, and sophisticated design language. Over the years, he has established an indelible presence in the Indian fashion industry, creating timeless pieces that balance couture finesse with contemporary elegance.

Brand Profile

ATSU Studio embodies a world of refined femininity, modern luxury, and artisanal detail. Since its inception in 2007, the brand has become synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship, intricate embroideries, and sculpted silhouettes that merge tradition with contemporary sophistication. With a commitment to quality and detail, ATSU Studio creates pieces that transcend seasonal trends, offering a wardrobe that is timeless yet fashion-forward. The brand’s collections—ranging from ready-to-wear to couture—are defined by a unique design language that celebrates both understated elegance and red-carpet glamour. Guided by the vision of founder and creative director Atsu Sekhose, ATSU Studio continues to expand its global presence while staying true to its philosophy of modern opulence and ineffable style.

Show Profile

Atsu Sekhose’s creations have graced leading red carpets, worn by icons such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, and Katrina Kaif. His eveningwear enjoys a loyal following across the Middle East and Europe, while his designs have featured on the covers of ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, and Femina, and in editorials for Vogue, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, and Marie Claire. Since 2012, Atsu has also introduced exclusive Indian Couture collections, designing couture gowns for Miss India winners Kanishtha Dhankhar (2011) and Vanya Mishra (2012) for their Miss World appearances. His Spring/Summer 2013 show, sponsored by the Ministry of Textiles (GOI) and FDCI, marked a milestone in his journey.

Atsu’s prêt collections have achieved wide appeal, embraced by Bollywood veterans like Madhuri Dixit and international stars including Alia Bhatt and Freida Pinto. For his contribution to preserving and promoting North Eastern textiles and crafts, he was honoured with the Governor’s Award for Distinction in Fashion Design (2013). India Today has recognized him as one of Delhi’s “Change Makers,” and in 2019, he proudly represented India at International Thai Silk Fashion Week 2019.

Social Media Profile: @atsu_official
Brand website: www.atsu.in

Jamal Shaikh is a senior media person who is credited with launching the Indian editions of Men’s Health, Robb Report and Discovery Channel Magazine India. He was editor of the HT Sunday magazine, Brunch for seven years, and also played the role of National Editor – New Media Initiatives. For the last few years, he has been setting up RPSG Lifestyle Media, a new-age publishing house, which has launched The Hollywood Reporter, Esquire, Robb Report (relaunched in India) and homegrown wedding magazine, Manifest in the last year. In times when print is facing challenges, Jamal Shaikh is recognised as the game changer in the lifestyle media business. He is one of the strongest voices in the media and entertainment space in the country today.

Gayatri Rangachari Shah is a journalist and columnist whose work has appeared in both national and international publications like the New York Times. She has a fortnightly column, ‘Flight of Fancy’, in The Hindu. She is a contributing editor at Vogue and Architectural Digest and India head at Tina Brown Live Media, which produces the globally renowned journalism summit Women in the World.

Gayatri covers a variety of subjects, including culture, gender, design and education, and has profiled leading personalities around the world. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. She lives in Mumbai with her husband and two children.

Avantikka Kilachand is the Creative Director of HELLO! Magazine, a content provider and curator specializing in luxury fashion and lifestyle. As the fashion director of HELLO! India, Avantika has elevated the magazine to new heights with her stellar leadership and vision. Her innovative approach has redefined Bollywood styling and uncovered unique aspects of India’s royal families.

Pia Sutaria is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London, where she received the Disney Theatrical Scholarship, and is also a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, London. Most recently, she played the lead role of “Mala” in the UK tour of Bombay Superstar, and performed in Migrations with the Welsh National Opera and Settling at the Criterion Theatre, London.

With over a decade of international experience, Pia has performed with Navdhara India Dance Theatre across Turkey, Israel, Canada, the USA, and Japan and as a soloist at the NCPA and the Royal Opera House in Mumbai. Pia has also been featured in Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Pointe and Elle Magazine and has represented brands such as Schwarzkopf, Lancôme, Dove, Jockey, Puma, and Nike—widely recognized as a pioneering ballerina in India.

She was recently invited to share her journey on the globally renowned podcast Why Dance Matters by the Royal Academy of Dance, and gave a TEDx talk on classical ballet in India. In 2024, Pia founded the Indian Youth Dance Company, directing and curating performances at the NMACC and NCPA, and internationally at The Place and the Royal Academy of Dance in London. In 2018, Pia founded the Institute of Classical and Modern Dance to fill the deep void that existed of vocational dance training for young dancers in India, with a vision to make a professional education in dance accessible to all. The school has since sent students on scholarships to top performing arts institutions in the UK, Europe, and the USA. Pia is now building global partnerships with leading conservatories to bring world-class training and opportunities to young dancers in India.

Manish Chauhan was born and raised in Mumbai India. He is self-taught in the urban street dance known as b-boying. Manish studied ballet at the Danceworx School in Mumbai under the guidance and mentorship of Yehuda Maor. He completed his dance training at Oregon Ballet theater school in Portland USA and Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company in Israel and did an International dance program through Peridance, New York. He is a full time company member of Peridance Contemporary Dance Company in New York.

Manish played the leading role in the Netflix film, Yeh Ballet 2020, a fictionalized version of his life. He is also the lead character in the documentary Call Me Dancer 2023. He was featured in many film festivals including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Dance On Camera Film Festival, Doc Edge New Zealand, London Indian Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, San Francisco Dance Film Festival and many more. He also appeared in a feature of Elle magazine, Vogue, Grazia, Point, Deadline, Variety and many other magazines. He made his USA dance debut at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC where he performed a solo choreographed by Igal Perry, which was also performed at the Alvin Ailey Theatre, Jack H Skirball Center, Meridian International Washington DC, Indian embassy New York, KNJ theater and many more.

Manish has worked with choreographers like Igal Perry, Johannes Wieland, Mike Tyus, Marco Palomino, Garrett Smith, Elisa Clark, Dolly Sfeir, Chanel Dasilva, and many more.

Rafique Sayed is a celebrated Indian photographer and visual artist, widely recognized as one of the pioneers of modern fashion and fine art photography in the country. With a career spanning over three decades, he is best known for his mastery of black-and-white imagery, which he regards as timeless and emotionally evocative.

Early Life and Beginnings

Rafique Sayed entered photography more by chance than by deliberate choice. In his early years, he was drawn more to cricket than to cameras and did not initially view photography as a significant art form. However, once he began exploring it professionally, he quickly rose to prominence in India’s competitive fashion industry. Initially, his work was defined by glamour and stylized imagery, but he later evolved to embrace more authentic subjects — real people, nature, still life, and everyday life compositions.

Artistic Philosophy and Style

Sayed’s photography stands out for its elegant simplicity, strong use of light and shadow, and emotional depth. He believes that a photograph must possess character and soul; otherwise, it ceases to be art. For him, photography transcends mere visuals — it is an exchange between the subject and the photographer. He is deeply committed to black-and-white photography, describing it as an eternal medium that outlasts color trends and holds “everlasting value”.

Recognition and Legacy

Acknowledged as a master of conceptual and fine art photography, Rafique Sayed has earned numerous accolades for his contributions to visual art. His body of work captures both the simplicity and complexity of human experience, executed with technical precision and artistic humility. Even after decades, he maintains that he is “still learning,” driven by a restless pursuit of artistic excellence and self-discovery.

Personal Outlook

Quoting Kahlil Gibran as one of his inspirations, Sayed expresses a desire to “give gold for gold to the world,” reflecting his commitment to producing work of genuine creative value. Despite his stature in the field, he remains grounded, emphasizing observation, awareness, and humility as the cornerstones of his craft.

Ronny Sequeira; in the photography world, is a name that is known to frame brands in the correct line of sight. Yes, most often with a celebrity that lends to the aura.

His work for Adidas, LG, Yamaha, Lays, Pepsi, Hindware, Voltas, Horlicks, Nescafe Airtel, Gulf, Castrol, Kellogg’s, Samsung, Dabur, Ford, Haier, Dettol, Fanta, Kurkure, Toyota, Sonata Watches, Mirinda, Toshiba, Philips, Microsoft, Mountain Dew, ESPN, Kit Kat, Gold’s Gym, Pizza Hut, Aircel, Liril, Maggi, Britannia etc. speaks that over the years.

He started off making it to the Society’s Young Achievers Award in 2000. In 2008, he made it to the India TOP 10 Indian Photographers (Asian Photography) list and since has been creating epochal moments with superstars as enigmatic as Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Parineeti Chopra, and just recently shot with John Abraham for Yamaha.

With 18 years of experience in advertising photography, he still has the same desire as when he was a 10 year old using his dad’s reflex camera to shoot his pet Alsatian. He is happiest when behind a camera or astride his Triumph motorcycle exploring the country.

Tina Dehal is a photographer based in Bombay with over three decades of experience behind the lens. One of the pioneering female photographers in India’s fashion and celebrity space, she carved a niche for herself at a time when few women were in the field. Her work spans fashion, beauty, editorial, advertising, and celebrity portraiture — and has been featured in leading international publications.

Over the years, she has photographed an impressive roster of global icons, including Cindy Crawford, Ravi Shankar, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Donatella Versace, alongside practically every major face in Bollywood. An avid traveller and self-proclaimed nomad, Tina has worked and journeyed across the world, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and people. As she continues to evolve creatively, she hopes to foray into the world of writing — exploring it as a new and expressive extension of her artistic journey. Educated at the London College of Printing and the Falmouth College of Art in the UK, Tina’s training has shaped her distinctive visual language. Her formal education in the field has also made her one of the most sought after teachers of photography.

A little bit about myself and the work I have done. I am a self taught photographer and artist. I have been practising for the last 14 years. My work engages in various urban sub culture stories. I am drawn to stories of people and the spaces they inhabit, exploring the relationship between the individual and the collective context. I am interested in exploring these delicate unspoken relationships that bind people to places. Recently, I exhibited my work ‘Kudd’ in January 2025 at Artmusings in Mumbai.

Exhibited the work ‘Creatures of passage’ in the Mumbai art fair in 2024. Dabolim in Goa Photo 2016. A solo exhibition, ‘Transients’, was presented by Art Musings, Bombay, in 2020. A solo exhibition of Braided was presented in April 2024 and India art fair in 2024. The work Neighbourhood in September 2021 in Artmusings. My photographs have appeared in Architectural Digest India, Harpers bazaar India, Verve, Starbucks, Apple, Motherland and Invisible Photographer Asia, among other publications and platforms.

Website: www.sheetalmallar.com

Vipul Bhagat is a celebrity makeup and hair stylist whose exceptional artistry has made him a leading name in the Indian film and fashion industry. With an illustrious career spanning over 25 years, Vipul has worked for prestigious fashion weeks, luxury brand campaigns, editorial covers, and red-carpet appearances.

A professional who upholds quality and sustainable work ethics, Vipul’s clientele includes top film stars, fashion icons, and global personalities who trust his creative vision and transformative techniques.

As Vipul Bhagat continues to redefine beauty standards while inspiring a new generation of artists in the industry, he takes time out to be a part of the Bhutan Fashion Week 2025.

She is a founding dean and faculty member at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). More than just an educator, she is an independent force shaping fashion thought and discourse both in India and internationally. In addition to her academic contributions, she serves as a trainer and consultant for participating designers at various Fashion Weeks, playing a pivotal role in guiding creative direction and professional excellence.

Dr. Anupam Jain is one of the founder faculty member of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), teaching at NIFT since 1995. He continues to teach as a Professor primarily in Textile Design, Fashion Communication Design and Master of Design department of NIFT at New Delhi campus. At NIFT, he initiated and worked on designing the curriculums of Textile Design, Fashion Communication and Master of Design programme. In NIFT he has held various academic posts, and present he the Director of NIFT Delhi Campus and CEO of NFDI (NIFT Foundation for Design Innovation) a foundation to foster a start-up ecosystem in textile and fashion domain of India. He is regularly invited as an academic expert to many national institutes and universities.

Professor Jain’s background includes a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from M. S. University of Baroda in 1987, followed by a post-graduation in Textile Design from National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad in 1991. In 1989, a scholarship of a short programme to study textile and fashion design at Polimoda, Florence in Italy. A six-month fellowship-training programme in Textile and Surface Design at FIT, New York, USA. Ph. D. from Faculty of Fashion Technology, PACIFIC University Udaipur, 2018.

He is also associated with top education institutions as visiting faculty, external examiner, board of studies, doctoral programmes, such as, NID Ahmedabad; Dept of Design at Delhi Tech University – Delhi College of Engineering; Jamia Millia Islamia University; Univ School of Design & Innovation at G B S Indraprastha University in New Delhi. His strengths is textiles especially weaves, other areas of major interest are in Design Thinking & Methodology, Colour Psychology, Textile for Interiors and Fashion, Trends and Forecast, Space design, Sustainable design for Handicrafts and multi- disciplinary approaches in design education. He has also conceptualized and designed Textile Trend Forecast books and trend stall/ theme pavilions for annual ‘TexStyles India’ and ‘IIGF’ (India International Garment Fair) Trade show at New Delhi on many occasions.

On behalf of NIFT for the Ministry of Textiles Govt. of India, to celebrate 50 years of Indian Independence he designed the Theme Pavilion at Heimtextil Messe Frankfurt, Germany and Designers Gallery at Interstoff Asia in Hong Kong.

Dr Ayesha Fuentes is an objects conservator and researcher specialising in Tibetan and Himalayan material culture. She has a PhD from SOAS University of London (2021) and is currently a Research Affiliate in Conservation at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge. For more about her work.

Barbara Adler is a distinguished cinematographer and educator, best known as a founding member of the Danish Bhutanese Friendship Association established in 1985. A graduate of The Danish Film School in 1980, she has had an illustrious career in visual storytelling and film design.

As an Emerita Professor at The Royal Danish Academy of Art, School of Design, she has shaped generations of creative professionals through her expertise in film design. Beyond her academic and cinematic accomplishments, Barbara has maintained a deep connection with Bhutan, working closely with Bhutanese designers and textiles, and contributing significantly to fostering cultural exchange and appreciation between Denmark and Bhutan.

Manglien Gangte is a Mumbai-based stylist and image maker shaping conversations at the intersection of fashion and culture. At Vogue India, he has styled covers, crafted original photo stories and contributed across print, digital and social platforms. His work has also appeared in AnOther Magazine, Luncheon, British Vogue and more. A Mentoring Matters alumnus, he brings a strong cultural lens to today’s fashion zeitgeist. He also presented ‘Weaving Zo Memories’ at ‘Lengkhawm’, an art show curated by the contemporary art collective, This is Lamka.

Shefalee is a cultural commentator, writer, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Voice of Fashion, India’s leading online magazine on fashion, design, and identity. Author of Powder Room: The Untold Story of Indian Fashion, she has held senior editorial roles at India Today, The Indian Express, and Mint Lounge, and was the first editor of Marie Claire India.

Her work explores the intersections of fashion, society, and popular culture, with adeep focus on Indian crafts, textiles, and artisanal luxury. A recognized publicspeaker and host of critical dialogues across platforms, her second book Stories We Wear: Status, Spectacle and The Politics of Appearance, will be published by Westland in October this year. As a trained narrative therapist, Shefalee is buildingways to bridge dialogues of mental health intervention with artisan communities of India.

Shilpa is seen as a formidable voice and authority on design and the business of fashion across genres—from value to premium to luxury in India — With over three decades across India’s design, craft, and fashion ecosystem she has challenged boundaries in retail, creative enterprises, and consulting.

She helped shape Fabindia’s retail growth story, co-founded Jaypore, an iconic platform for Indian handcrafted design that redefined premium craft retail. Today, through Breakaway, her bespoke travel venture, she creates immersive journeys at the journeys at the intersection of design, textiles, craft, and culture—offering travelers and creative professionals a rare access to India’s artisan communities and immersive “Beyond the Brochure” journeys pan India. Shilpa also co-founded Mustard restaurants and champions conscious consumption through Flourish, a platform she conceptualized and set up.