Continuing its celebration of Indian craftsmanship, the second day of India Couture Week 2026 saw designers Masaba Gupta and JJ Valaya present their own, distinct visions of Indian couture.
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While both collections drew inspiration from traditional aesthetics, the designers stayed true to their signature design languages.
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Marking a significant milestone in her design journey, Masaba presented her first-ever bridal couture collection ‘Chardi Kala’, bringing her bold prints and unconventional sensibilities into the world of wedding fashion.
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“The journey begins in the sacred landscapes of India before drifting into the blue-green waters of Antigua and the vibrant tropics of the Caribbean. Bridal seamlessly transforms into resort bridal,” states the official description of Masaba’s bridal collection.
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For Masaba, models took to the runway in an array of traditional ensembles, dressed in stunning full-flared lehengas, intricately embroidered dupattas, metallic zari work, shimmering sequins, and meticulous handcrafted embellishment. It was combined with modern couture touches like structured layering, different draping and styling.
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On the other hand, celebrated fashion designer JJ Valaya unveiled his Autumn/Winter 2026 collection ‘SIDDI’, translating his vision into bridal couture, occasion wear, menswear, and more.
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Taking to the runway, the showcase featured the likes of intricately crafted lehengas, contemporary saris, fluid anarkalis, regal sherwanis and impeccably tailored bandhgalas. They were adorned in a palette of antique gold, ivory, noir, champagne, deep jewel tones and rich earth hues.
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Speaking on his collection, Valaya, said, “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.”
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The ongoing 19th edition of FDCI’s Hyundai India Couture Week 2026 is being held at the Taj Palace in New Delhi.