Iconic Indian Designer Rohit Bal Passes Away at 63

Rohit Bal, celebrated as one of India’s top fashion designers, has passed away at the age of 63, as confirmed by colleagues on Friday.

According to media reports, Bal’s death followed a prolonged illness. The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) expressed their condolences in an Instagram post, saying, “We mourn the passing of the legendary designer Rohit Bal. His unique fusion of traditional Indian motifs with contemporary designs redefined Indian fashion and inspired countless others.”

Bal, who earned a history degree from St. Stephen’s College in New Delhi, started his career in his family’s export business before launching his own brand in 1990.

A statement on his website notes that Bal’s inspiration came from diverse sources, “drawing on the rich heritage of village craftsmanship and traditional Indian techniques, as well as the evolving urban landscape of the subcontinent.”

FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi shared a tribute, noting that Bal, affectionately called “Gudda,” “will leave an irreplaceable void in the fashion world.” Sethi highlighted Bal’s artistry and his renowned attention to detail, saying, “Everyone admired how his designs, often featuring delicate lotus motifs, elegantly catered to modern tastes.”