Rohit Bal passes away at 63

At the age of sixty-three, renowned designer Rohit Bal died on Friday, November 1. Following a cardiac condition last year, the designer had been dealing with health problems. She only recently made a much-awaited comeback to the fashion industry at Lakmé Fashion Week.

Known as one of the most influential figures in Indian couture, Bal’s death was confirmed by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). “We mourn the passing of legendary designer Rohit Bal. He was a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India. Known for his unique blend of traditional patterns with modern sensibilities, Bal’s work redefined Indian fashion and inspired generations. His legacy of artistry, innovation, and forward-thinking will live on in the fashion world,” the FDCI wrote in a social media post.

Bal’s health had been deteriorating for a while. He was found to have dilated cardiomyopathy, a dangerous disorder that impairs the heart’s capacity to pump blood efficiently. He experienced difficulties this past year, such as renal failure and heart trouble, and spent a brief period of time at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on life support.

Despite these obstacles, a few weeks ago, at FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week, Bal made a strong comeback to the fashion industry by showcasing his collection Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe, which included actor Ananya Panday as his showstopper.

Born on May 8, 1961, in Srinagar, Kashmir—a location that has remained essential to his artistic vision—Bal is affectionately referred to by his friends as “Gudda.” After completing his studies in history at St. Stephen’s College in New Delhi, Bal went on to train at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), which laid the groundwork for his remarkable career. Although he and his brother co-founded Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd. in 1986, it was his solo debut in 1990 that made him a household name in the fashion industry.

He was the first of his contemporaries to patent and protect his ideas, and he was well-known for his meticulousness. His work went beyond couture to include jewelry, accessories, and costume design for shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, as seen by his relationships with companies like HiDesign and Titan, as well as his collaborations with Khadi Gram Udyog and Biba on prêt collections. Global celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Pamela Anderson, and Cindy Crawford also favored Bal’s designs.