- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
The House of Rohit Bal Blooms Again at Hyundai ICW 2025
Sculptural Shikaras, floral scents, and Kashmiri melodies framed a tribute to Rohit Bal’s legacy at India Couture Week 2025
A tribute to iconic Rohit Bal at the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 FDCI
Nine months after the passing of legendary designer Rohit Bal, his label marked a new chapter. On Day 6 of Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, in association with Reliance Brands and presented by FDCI, the house of Rohit Bal returned to the runway. Bal's team held a show which was a homage to the late designer. Named by weaving together ‘Kashmir’ and Gul (flower), the evening opened with the song Ride Home by Alif.
The music floated through the venue as a tribute to the Valley that shaped Bal’s artistic heart. “This show was not a tribute, it was a step forward,” said Fraze Tasnim, the label’s creative director.
Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal turned showstopper for the show, walking the ramp in honour of his late friend. Rampal was wearing a black velvet kurta from Bal's Kash-Gul collection. The designer passed away on November 1, 2024, and his latest collection, Kash-Gul, was presented by his team. The collection featured in three prominent colour schemes: cream, white, black and red.
“Legends never die; they always live on… He was a great guy who is still around with us, I am sure. He’s probably dancing up there and very happy,” Rampal said. He patted his chest, pointed to the sky, and blew a kiss in remembrance. The models and the label’s team soon joined him on the ramp.
The set space was like entering a modern Gulistan. Sculptural boats, shaped like Shikaras, flanked the stage. Tangled threads wove into Raat Ki Rani blossoms, filling the room with its fragrance.
An iconic collection of Rohit Bal at the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 on 28th July.FDCI
FDCI
The collection itself spoke of lived stories of chanderi, matka silk, velvet in hues of ivory, deep wine and black. Subtle embellishment and quiet precision gave weight to every silhouette with signature Bal’s motifs of lotuses, roses and peacocks, and in deep black and red velvet.
“KASH-GUL is a reflection of the soul of Rohit Bal. In every stitch, there’s memory; in every silhouette, a sense of home,” says Fraze Tasnim, Creative Director at Rohit Bal Couture. “This collection honours his deep-rooted love for Kashmir, his poetic vision, and his unyielding belief in craft as legacy.”
The show ended the way only Mr Bal would have wanted, models broke into an impromptu dance, his signature closing, and the audience rose in a standing ovation with tears in their eyes.
Presented by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, held in association with Reliance Brands Ltd, will run through July 30 2025
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