The Kaayanat and Rohit Bal conspired to make it happen
The last day of Lakmé Fashion Week was etched in history. The evening was high on emotions…tears rolled down the cheeks of his protégés, an overwhelmed crowd who could not resist hugging Bal, the contemporaries just overwhelmed with his presence… After all, Rohit Bal showcased his much-awaited collection, Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe after a long hiatus.
As we entered the gates of The Imperial, New Delhi we witnessed the biggest designers, journalists from various publications, and the rest of the audience entering the gates with bated breath and hushed whispers talking about how this may be Gudda’s last spectacle. His dear friends and industry insiders wish it isn’t… Designer Ashish Soni, a dear friend of the designer says to Chaiti Narula, Editor of Manifest “I so wish this is not his last show, praying that there’s more to come.” FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi was emotionally overwhelmed as he held Bal by his side and made him sit in the front row to witness what the fraternity labelled—the show of the year and a fitting finale to the Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI 2024.
As we entered the ground, the stage was set against the backdrop of the hotel as Rohit Bal presented a breathtaking tribute to nature’s endless cycle of growth. The infinity of the Universe is portrayed on huge LED screens with roses from the Rouge Bloom collection.
It was nothing short of a starry starry night, as a violinist played her melodious tunes of rhapsody. And this time around, Rohit Bal focused his energies on crafting a regal collection, to say the least. There were flowing silhouettes in organza and the velvet gowns and capes mirrored the mysteries of the Universe. Peppered across the collection were pretty floral motifs symbolising the natural cycle of growth. Every ensemble narrated a story—that of the designer who has inspired others (to date many of his protégés send him their sketches) and their dreams, him rising like a phoenix, his fantastical take on what timeless elegance means.
Rohit Bal mentioned on the grand finale and said, “Kaaynaat was a journey through the wonders of nature, celebrating the bloom of life and beauty. Partnering with Lakmé was an incredible experience, and this collection reflects both the grace of nature and the enduring power of beauty.”
Ananya Pandey, the newest face of Lakmé walked as a showstopper in a gorgeous velvet set which featured roses and had a cape to finish the look. In fact, for Ananya, Rohit Bal’s craftsmanship sweetly resides in her memories as she shared in a press conference and revealed how her ensemble is similar to a floral jacket Gudda had made for her father, Chunky Panday. She said she had kept it carefully since the time she stole it from her dad’s wardrobe.
Iconic models such as Laxmi Rana walked the runway swaying by the music in white, cream, burgundy, and black hues to a 90s playlist dominated by Madonna and Kate Bush. The show in itself took its spectators back into an era of old-world charm and yet, it made everyone so emotional because it’s not often you witness people tearing up at a fashion show. And it is not every day you see designers supporting other designers. But it is no secret that Gudda’s classic elegance as one of India’s iconic designers has been revered time and again.
Models, designers, Rohit and Ananya alike swayed to the song Afterglow by INXS in the end and may we say everyone had a hard time collecting themselves because they felt so emotional.
Earlier this year, the designer had been critically ill and came back on the ramp after five years. His unwavering commitment to Kashmiri craftsmanship was unmissed but so was the unity, love and respect for his incredible legacy and his sheer craftsmanship that resonates with drama and elegance, unlike the viral moments of today.
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