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Rohit Bal

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Rohit Bal
Rohit Bal in 2016
Born(1961-05-08)8 May 1961
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Died1 November 2024(2024-11-01) (aged 63)
New Delhi, India
EducationWoodlands House School
Burn Hall School
DPS Mathura Road
Alma materUniversity of Delhi
NIFT
LabelRohit Bal
AwardsIFA Designer of the Year in 2001 and 2004
Websitewww.rohitbal.com

Rohit Bal (8 May 1961 – 1 November 2024) was an Indian fashion designer, known for his designs catering to both men and women. He began his career in 1986, founding Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd with his brother, and debuted his independent collection in 1990. Bal's work includes collaborations with Khadi Gram Udyog[1] and designing costumes for the popular show Kaun Banega Crorepati.[2]

Early life

Rohit Bal was born on 8 May 1961 in the city of Srinagar, in the Kashmir Valley of the erstwhile Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, into a Kashmiri Pandit family.[3][4][5]

Bal received his education from Woodlands House School and Burn Hall School in Srinagar, before his family was ethnically cleansed from Kashmir after the start of the Islamist Insurgency in the 1970s.

His family was forced to move out and settle in New Delhi, where he completed his education at the Delhi Public School in Mathura Road. He later graduated with a Bachelor's degree in History from the St. Stephens College of the University of Delhi.[6] He studied fashion through a short course at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, and also later taught students at the Institute as guest faculty.[7]

Career

Rohit Bal started his career with his brother Rajiv Bal in New Delhi in 1986 at the Company Orchid Overseas Pvt .Ltd, and started his own first independent collection in 1990.[6]

Bal was also chosen by the Khadi Gram Udyog, the largest handloom textile operation in Panchkula, to work with them.[8]

Bal designed costumes for the popular Indian game show Kaun Banega Crorepati.[6]

Bal opened a flagship store in Delhi, as well as stores in Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chennai. Bal also ventured into designing jewellery.[9]

Bal is best known for having used lotus and peacock motifs. He frequently employed rich fabrics like velvet, brocade and his designs were elaborate and inspired by Indian grandeur and royalty.[10][11] He also partnered with Biba Apparels to create Biba by Rohit Bal.[12][13]

He was possessed of an international client base which included Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, and Uma Thurman among various Indian celebrities. He was also a brand ambassador for Omega watches.[14]

Illness and death

Bal had a history of heart problems. He underwent an angioplasty in 2010.[15] In 2023, he was hospitalized at Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon, for a heart condition. Bal died in New Delhi on 1 November 2024, at the age of 63.[16][17]

Accolades

Bal won the 'Designer of the Year' award at the Indian Fashion Awards in 2006. He also won 'Designer of the Year' at the Kingfisher Fashion Achievement Awards in 2001.[6] He was awarded as the Lakme Grand Finale Designer for 2012.[18] In 2020, he was recognized as "Iconic Fashion Designer of the country" by the jury of the Rajnigandha Pearls India Fashion Awards.[19] His last fashion show was the Lakme X Rohit Bal Grand Finale on 13 October 2024.

References

  1. ^ "Rohit Bal was chosen by the Khadi Gram Udyog, the largest handloom textile operation in Panchkula, to work with them - Photogallery". photogallery.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  2. ^ "Rohit Bal to design Big B's outfits for KBC". Hindustan Times. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  3. ^ "Even in troubled times, nothing can take away beauty of Kashmir: Rohit Bal". Greater Kashmir. 31 January 2019. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2024. It's a simple explanation. I come from Kashmir. I am a Kashmiri, I know what's happening in the state. I grew up in a free Kashmir and unfortunately now it's a warzone.
  4. ^ Sinha, Sahil (1 November 2024). "Rohit Bal dies at 63: Celebrated Kashmiri designer who redefined Indian fashion". India Today. Archived from the original on 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024. Born into a Kashmiri Pandit family on May 8, 1961, in Srinagar, Rohit Bal's journey in fashion began in 1986, when he co-founded Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd with his brother.
  5. ^ "Ace Indian fashion designer Rohit Bal critical: Report". Arabian Business. 1 November 2023. Archived from the original on 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024. The designer, born into a Kashmiri Pandit family in Srinagar, Bal earned a History degree from Delhi's St Stephen's College.
  6. ^ a b c d Dugal, Jasmeen. "Rohit Bal". Know Your Designers. Explosive Fashion. Archived from the original on 11 May 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.[better source needed]
  7. ^ "Rohit Bal is part of the BoF 500". The Business of Fashion. 12 July 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  8. ^ Kumar, Sheila (22 June 2013). "Khadi does the catwalk". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  9. ^ Arora, Tony (2 July 2012). "India's Fashion 'Bad Boy'". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  10. ^ Ahuja, Shilpa. "Rohit Bal Autumn Winter 2015 Couture Fashion Show Review". Shilpa's Lifestyle Blog. Retrieved 6 August 2015.[better source needed]
  11. ^ "India Couture Week 2016: The finale by Rohit Bal was a showcase of opulence and grandeur". Indian Express. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  12. ^ Vasudev, Shefalee. "UNDERSTATEMENT: More Biba than Bal". Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  13. ^ Editorial, IANS. "Rohit Bal joins forces with brand BIBA". Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Rohit Bal is part of the BoF 500". The Business of Fashion. 12 July 2019. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  15. ^ "Ace fashion designer Rohit Bal passes away at 63 following heart complications". The Indian Express. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  16. ^ "Fashion designer Rohit Bal passes away; FDCI says his legacy of artistry, innovation will live on".
  17. ^ "Renowned fashion designer Rohit Bal dies after prolonged illness". India Today. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  18. ^ Vyavahare, Renuka (23 February 2012). "Rohit Bal to host Lakme Grand Finale". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  19. ^ Alison (27 February 2020). "The India Fashion Awards Presented by Rajnigandha Silver Pearls: - World of Fashion & Technology". Asia Radio Sales. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
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