Malavika Mohanan’s JJ Valaya lehenga was rich with zari, resham and crystal work

For the opening of JJ Valaya’s new store at Jio World Plaza, Malavika Mohanan chose a golden-yellow lehenga from the couturier’s Baroda set.

In the realm of Indian couture, few designers command the reverence that JJ Valaya does when it comes to the artful prints. Mohanan’s look, for instance, is a testament to his unparalleled mastery of pattern play. It is a canvas of contrasts, where florals are juxtaposed with geometrics, clashing and complementing, yet harmonising into a singular vision. “Malavika is wearing the Baroda skirt set that is crafted in dupion silk. It is paired with a stole in silk organza and dupion silk border,” says Valaya. The skirt showcases a bold collision of floral, foliage and bird motifs, while the border illustrates geometric designs. “The dupatta features our signature shifting leaves chevron in the same palette as the skirt,” he adds.

The blouse emerges as the crowning jewel of this ensemble, elevated through an intricate melange of craftsmanship techniques. “The blouse is accented with antique gold metallic embroidery along with zari, crystals, beads and resham work,” Valaya explains, referencing the painstaking detail that underpins the piece.

To offset the golden yellow canvas of the lehenga, Malavika Mohanan reached for an emerald choker from Gehna Jewellers. By choosing to forgo earrings altogether, she let the neckpiece command all the attention. For beauty, Mohanan embraced an understated yet sultry look. Her hair was pulled back into a polished ponytail, a choice that highlighted the outfit and added a contemporary edge. Her makeup followed suit, with soft smoky eyes, sculpted cheeks and a caramel nude lip. The result balanced Valaya’s maximalist detailing with streamlined styling, showing how craft-heavy couture can feel current.