“SIDDI began with the idea of a journey, one that crossed oceans, geographies and centuries, eventually creating an identity entirely its own. I was fascinated by the Siddis of India and by this extraordinary confluence of African origins with the many cultural influences absorbed over generations on the Indian subcontinent.”- JJ Valaya
JJ Valaya, the king of opulence, unveiled SIDDI, his Autumn/Winter 2026 couture collection, at Hyundai India Couture Week , an FDCI Initiative, at Taj Palace, New Delhi.
Inspired by the journey of the Siddi tribe of India, the collection explored how people, traditions and identities evolve as they travel across continents and generations. Valaya avoided a literal representation of the community or its clothing. Instead, he interpreted cultural exchange through the House of Valaya’s signature vocabulary of colour, geometry, texture and ceremony.
A Journey Interpreted Through Couture:
SIDDI brought together African origins and the many cultural influences absorbed by the Siddi community across the Indian subcontinent.
The collection moved between bridal couture, occasion wear and menswear with intricately crafted lehengas, contemporary saris, fluid anarkalis, regal sherwanis and sharply tailored bandhgalas. These silhouettes carried Valaya’s familiar sense of grandeur while keeping the quintessence idea of movement and identity .
The palette travelled through antique gold, ivory, champagne, noir, deep jewel tones and earthy hues. Zardozi, aari and dori work appeared alongside metallic embroidery, crystal embellishment and rich fabrics, giving the collection its layered finish.
Have a look:
One of the collection’s most personal pieces reimagined the House’s iconic Valaya Shifting Leaves Chevron. Originally created for the wedding of Valaya’s daughter, Hoorvi, the design reached the couture runway in black, beige and metallic tones. The Shifting Leaves Chevron is a signature designer motif that blends the ancient geometry of the chevron with the organic rhythm of nature. It represents balance, the passage of time, and the continuous movement of life.
With SIDDI, JJ Valaya turned a story of migration and cultural exchange into a refined couture narrative, where every silhouette carried a sense of history without becoming costume. R.K.Jewellers unparalleled designs matched JJ Valaya Opulent couture.
Pics courtesy ANX Media
