Rohit Bal is an Indian fashion designer, known for his designs catering to both men and women. He began his career in 1986, founding Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd with his brother, and debuted his independent collection in 1990. Bal's work includes collaborations with Khadi Gram Udyog[1] and designing costumes for the popular show Kaun Banega Crorepati.[2]

Rohit Bal
Rohit Bal in 2016
Born
Rohit Bal

(1961-05-08) 8 May 1961 (age 62)
NationalityIndian
CitizenshipIndian
EducationWoodlands House School
Burn Hall School
DPS Mathura Road
Alma materUniversity of Delhi
NIFT
LabelRohit Bal
AwardsIFA Designer of the Year in 2001 and 2004
Websitewww.rohitbal.com

Early life edit

Rohit Bal was born on 8 May, 1961 in the city of Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley, of the erstwhile Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, into a Kashmiri Pandit family.

Bal received his education from Woodlands House School and Burn Hall School in Srinagar, before his family was forced to move out of Kashmir, due to the Islamist insurgency in the 1990s. His family moved to New Delhi, where he completed his education at the Delhi Public School in Mathura Road. He later graduated with a Bachelor's degree in History from the St. Stephens College of the University of Delhi.[3] He then also went on to study fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology.[4]

Career edit

Rohit Bal started his career with his brother Rajiv Bal in New Delhi in 1986 the Company Orchid Oversea Pvt.Ltd, and started his own first independent collection in 1990.[3]

Bal was also chosen by the Khadi Gram Udyog, the largest handloom textile operation in Panchkula, to work with them.[5]

Bal has designed costumes for the popular Indian game show Kaun Banega Crorepati.[3]

Bal opened a flagship store in Delhi, as well as stores in Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai. Bal has also ventured into designing jewellery.[6]

He is best known for his use of lotus and peacock motifs. He frequently uses rich fabrics like velvet, brocade and his designs are elaborate, inspired by Indian grandeur and royalty.[7][8] He has also partnered with Biba Apparels[1] to create Biba by Rohit Bal.[9][10]

He has an international client base that includes Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson and Uma Thurman among various Indian celebrities.[11] He is also an ambassador for Omega watches.[12]

Accolades edit

Bal won the 'Designer of the Year' award at the Indian Fashion Awards in 2006. He has also won 'Designer of the Year' at the Kingfisher Fashion Achievement Awards in 2001.[3] He was awarded as the Lakme Grand Finale Designer for 2012.[13] In 2020, he was recognized as "Iconic Fashion Designer of the country" by the jury of the Rajnigandha Pearls India Fashion Awards.[14]

References edit

  1. ^ "Rohit Bal was chosen by the Khadi Gram Udyog, the largest handloom textile operation in Panchkula, to work with them - Photogallery". photogallery.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  2. ^ "Rohit Bal to design Big B's outfits for KBC". Hindustan Times. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d Dugal, Jasmeen. "Rohit Bal". Know Your Designers. Explosive Fashion. Archived from the original on 11 May 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.[better source needed]
  4. ^ "Rohit Bal is part of the BoF 500". The Business of Fashion. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  5. ^ Kumar, Sheila (22 June 2013). "Khadi does the catwalk". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  6. ^ Arora, Tony (2 July 2012). "India's Fashion 'Bad Boy'". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  7. ^ Ahuja, Shilpa. "Rohit Bal Autumn Winter 2015 Couture Fashion Show Review". Shilpa's Lifestyle Blog. Retrieved 6 August 2015.[better source needed]
  8. ^ "India Couture Week 2016: The finale by Rohit Bal was a showcase of opulence and grandeur". Indian Express. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  9. ^ Vasudev, Shefalee. "UNDERSTATEMENT: More Biba than Bal". Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  10. ^ Editorial, IANS. "Rohit Bal joins forces with brand BIBA". Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  11. ^ "Rohit Bal: Facts You Need To Know About This Indian Designer". Utsavpedia. 15 July 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2020.[better source needed]
  12. ^ "Rohit Bal is part of the BoF 500". The Business of Fashion. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  13. ^ Vyavahare, Renuka (23 February 2012). "Rohit Bal to host Lakme Grand Finale". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  14. ^ Alison (27 February 2020). "The India Fashion Awards Presented by Rajnigandha Silver Pearls: - World of Fashion & Technology". Asia Radio Sales. Retrieved 12 September 2021.

External links edit