Pioneering Indian designer Rohit Bal dies at 63
Rohit Bal, a renowned Indian fashion designer, passed away at the age of 63 following a lengthy illness.
The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) confirmed his death through an Instagram post, highlighting that his contributions “redefined Indian fashion.”
As one of the pioneering figures in Indian fashion, Bal played a crucial role in popularizing fashion design as a glamorous and viable career during the 1990s, inspiring many subsequent designers who credit him for their achievements.
He had been on a prolonged hiatus due to health issues but made an emotional return just weeks ago.
In an article in The Indian Express, it was noted, “We will always need a Rohit Bal around to demonstrate what classic elegance is—and why it transcends generational divides,” referencing his frail yet joyful appearance alongside models during the grand finale of India Fashion Week in October.
Bal’s creations garnered praise for his profound understanding of Indian textiles and meticulous attention to detail. His innovative designs were favored by Hollywood stars and supermodels, establishing him as a master of fusing India’s rich cultural heritage with modern sensibilities.
Born in Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir, in 1961, Bal earned an honors degree in history from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi. He initially worked in his family’s export business, gaining valuable experience.
After completing his formal education in fashion design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi, Bal launched a career that would transform Indian fashion. He founded his own label and designer line in 1990 and subsequently opened several stores across India, the Middle East, and Europe.
Born in Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir in 1961, Bal graduated from Delhi’s St Stephens College with an honors degree in history. He then worked in his family’s export business for a few years, learning the ropes.
After completing his formal education in fashion design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi, Bal embarked on a journey that would redefine Indian fashion.
He set up his own label and designer line in 1990 and later opened several stores in India, the Middle East, and Europe.
Apart from designing clothes for his label, Bal lent his name to endorse products from shoes to linen, had tie-ups with textile giants like the Aditya Birla Group, and even ventured into designing jewellery and luxury watches.
He also opened a line for children, saying that he believed that “children are a major consumer class in urban India”.
Bal crafted costumes for the widely-watched Indian game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (Who Wants to be a Millionaire?) and designed costumes for the cabin crew of British Airways.
He unveiled his inaugural prêt line for online retailer Jabong in 2014.
“I want to separate Rohit Bal from the House of Bal – in products as well as style, in expensiveness and expanse,” Bal told Shefalee Vasudev in Mint newspaper.
“Rohit Bal stores (there will be no prêt here) will be special. People come to me only for special things – they want garments that are like handmade pieces of art. I have it in me to balance the right and left sides of my creative and business leanings.”
