Legendary fashion designer Rohit Bal passed away on Friday, owing to complications from a heart condition. He was 63 years old. “Gudda,” the nickname by which Bal was fondly known, he was a stalwart fashion designer who brought the elegance of Indian sensibilities in the context of modern wearability. Rohit Bal spent nearly three decades creating.
He was in fashion since 1986. That was the year when, along with his brother, he formed Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd. It took him a total of 1990 for Bal to launch his initial collection independently under his brand. Over this period of time, Bal created delicate pieces on expensive velvet and brocade. These came to enjoy worldwide recognition based on the exquisite work and cultural tradition of India manifested in the fabrics.
A Kashmiri Pandit born in Srinagar, Bal was the doyen in dressing as well as in jewelry designs, and he had flagship stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chennai. He recently walked the ramp for the final collection at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, taking with him a legacy of creativity, individuality, and a spirit that has broken barriers in the Indian fashion industry.Bal leaves a huge void but his exceptional input and vision make him an evergreen icon in Indian fashion.
