Putting together a bridal outfit with the help of a parent can be a trying experience. Opinions differ, patience runs thin and you might even catch wind of an ‘Ugh, you just don’t get it.’ For this parent-child duo, however, things fell into place rather naturally. “In terms of decor and outfits, I’ve totally left it to him,” says stylist Hoorvi Valaya. “Because I know there’s nobody better.” She’s referring to her father JJ Valaya, who has spent over three decades dressing brides at the House of Valaya. The designer would have nothing but the best for his own daughter. Luckily, the best was already in his archives.
Hoorvi’s wedding lehenga was inspired by a piece from JJ Valaya Muse, a bespoke line where each design is made only once and never repeated. She had her eye on a particular lehenga, which was reworked in burnt orange and fuchsia, with antique-gold and jewel-toned resham embroidery. “When we did our trials, I saw multiple pieces, but I was very clear that this was the one that I wanted,” says Hoorvi. Embellished with crystals and gemstones and featuring art deco–inspired paisley motifs, the piece took nearly 2,000 hours to create.
The two understand each other’s instincts and have fostered a sense of trust, which makes working together easy—as long as you leave the designing to JJ and the styling to Hoorvi. This translated into complete control over the lehenga for JJ, while Hoorvi took over jewellery, hair and makeup. “I communicated my vision to her and then I stepped back,” says JJ. “She understands the ethos of the brand; I trust her,” he adds. “Although we do have our battles, she’s her own person now—and I respect that. Of course, as her father, I still see her as my little girl.” When it came to the lehenga, there was just a singular point of contention, a war that many a daughter has waged in households across the country, nay, the world: “The depth of the neckline,” says Hoorvi, only half-joking. “And the length of the blouse. That’s really the only struggle we’ve had.”
Most Popular
- HoroscopeHoroscope Today: April 19, 2026By Snehaa Khanna Sahgal
- HoroscopeAquarius Horoscope Today: April 19, 2026By Snehaa Khanna Sahgal
- HoroscopeAries Horoscope Today: April 19, 2026By Snehaa Khanna Sahgal
So no, perhaps JJ is not the quintessential ‘chill dad who works in fashion’ that Hoorvi’s friends imagined. “I have a lot of respect for him, so I always listen to what he says. A single statement from him can make me rethink everything,” she says. But that authority was never at the cost of reassurance. JJ recalls her school years: “Right before her class 12 boards, she told me she just couldn’t handle sociology. We sat down with her teachers and she started sobbing. I just told her to give it her best and that it would all be okay.” He smiles. “A few months later, she scored full marks.” It’s these seemingly small moments, he believes, that reveal who a person becomes.
Hoorvi grew up around moodboards and fittings, often assisting on shoots. “I’d help match jewellery to garments when I was really young,” she says. “Nothing major, but I’d get very excited about it.” Like most fathers, JJ claims he saw Hoorvi’s calling long before she did. “When she was 5, she made these three paintings—just crayon scribbles, really. I’ve had them framed at home,” he says. “That’s when I knew her sense of aesthetic was in place.” His own design sensibility has always leant layered, detailed, a little indulgent. And try as she might, Hoorvi hasn’t strayed too far. “Even when I attempt something minimal, it somehow turns into this royal, opulent look,” she laughs. “It’s in my DNA.”
Most Popular
- HoroscopeHoroscope Today: April 19, 2026By Snehaa Khanna Sahgal
- HoroscopeAquarius Horoscope Today: April 19, 2026By Snehaa Khanna Sahgal
- HoroscopeAries Horoscope Today: April 19, 2026By Snehaa Khanna Sahgal
He speaks of her achievements with undeniable pride—joining Pearl Academy, earning a scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles and making the dean’s list. “There was a point when her teachers would carry her portfolio to show prospective students,” he beams, “to convince them to join the institution.”
“He’s my best friend,” she says simply. “He’s the first person I talk to when I feel overwhelmed, which happens quite often. He tells me what I need to hear.” She’s watched him navigate the same industry she’s now a part of, the pressures and the pace of it. “When I’m lost, I just think, What would he have done? And that helps me find my way.”
Met Gala 2026 is almost here. Are you ready?NOTIFY ME
By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Vogue. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
It’s safe to call JJ a girl dad; he plays the part of both mentor and cheerleader. “I wanted my daughters to grow into capable individuals who believe in themselves,” he shares. There’s satisfaction in that statement, but also an acceptance of the inevitable—that his little girl is all grown up now. He can’t help it when the doting dad inside of him appears, “Nobody can love a daughter more than a father,” he says, “So I’m very happy she’s found a man who will love her just as much as I do.”