Rohit Bal
1961 - 2024
The Indian designer drew upon his Kashmiri heritage and ventured into the jewellery design and Indian bridal markets.
Rohit Bal was one of India’s most successful and respected designers. Marrying traditional patterns and craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, his designs are particularly popular with Indian society and celebrities. Time Magazine dubbed the designer “India's Master of fabric and fantasy.” He was best known for his use of Lotus and Peacock motifs, and for the spectacular construction in his clothing.
Bal was born in Kashmir and attended St Stephen’s College in New Delhi, where he obtained a first-class degree in history. The designer learned his craft at the National Institute of Fashion in the city and began his professional life working for his brother’s export company. However, he soon began designing for his own line, launching with a collection of traditional menswear in 1990. He later expanded into accessories and womenswear, with plans to roll out distribution of women's handbags, eyewear and fragrance across India.
Bal was a prolific collaborator and partnered with Hidesign, Oriflame, Mitsubishi Outlander and Windproof Zippo Lighter. He was also an ambassador for Omega watches and sponsored by the Swatch Group. His clients included Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell.
Bal was awarded the Designer of the year at the International Fashion Awards in 2001 and 2004, as well as the Indian Fashion Awards in 2006. In February 2012 he was named grand finale designer at Lakme Fashion Week.
In November 2024, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) announced his death in a post on Instagram, saying that his work "redefined Indian fashion".
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