NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Iconic Indian fashion designer Rohit Bal died on Friday at the age of 63. Known for his innovative approach to blending traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary design, Bal, often called “Gudda” by friends and industry peers, left an indelible mark on the global fashion landscape.
Bal had been suffering from ailing health for quite some time, and in 2010, he had undergone a heart condition where he was hospitalized for an angioplasty. During that time, however, he was still giving good shape to the fashion industry. He was seen at Lakme Fashion Week some weeks ago, proving once again that he has passion for the craft.
Born in Kashmir, Bal was renowned for his minute detail in his work; especially he had the magic to merge the rich cultural heritage of Indian textiles with a modern flavor. Handwoven fabrics with natural dyes and exquisite embroidery would find their places in his collections, blending the cultural heritage of India with contemporary taste. He made runway shows theatrical fashion events with the essence of performance art.
While this limited Bal’s work toward national recognition, he found success straddling across the globe as designs emerged and were worn by those big Bollywood and Hollywood icons. He played an outstanding role as a founder and board member of the FDCI, where one saw him mentoring the newcomers, while at the international levels, he marketed and projected Indian fashion to showcase this country’s vibrant presence around the world.
The tributes and condolences from designers, celebrities, and the fashion enthusiasts flooded in to greet the news, sending the fashion world into shock.
The FDCI referred to him as a “legend” whose influence will inspire generations to come.
