Rohit Bal dies at 63: Celebrated Kashmiri designer who redefined Indian fashion

Renowned Indian fashion designer Rohit Bal, whose work defined a generation of Indian fashion, passed away at the age of 63 after a prolonged illness.
Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) mourned the loss of the visionary artist on social media. “We mourn the passing of legendary designer Rohit Bal. He was a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India,” FDCI stated in an Instagram post.
Praising his unique fusion of traditional Indian patterns with modern aesthetics, the council added, “Bal’s work redefined Indian fashion, inspiring generations. His legacy of artistry, innovation, and forward-thinking will live on. Rest in peace GUDDA. You are a legend.”
Just two weeks prior to his death, Bal had showcased his final collection at Lakme Fashion Week in Delhi, where his designs once again drew acclaim. Known for his elaborate use of materials like velvet and brocade, Bal’s intricate and majestic creations brought a timeless grandeur to Indian fashion.
Born into a Kashmiri Pandit family on May 8, 1961, in Srinagar, Rohit Bal’s journey in fashion began in 1986, when he co-founded Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd with his brother. In 1990, he launched his first solo collection, marking the beginning of his influential career. Bal’s work reached beyond clothing, extending to jewelry design, where his craftsmanship was equally celebrated.
A graduate in History from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, Bal later attended the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi to hone his craft in fashion design.
Over the years, he opened flagship stores in major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chennai. His work with Khadi Gram Udyog, the country’s largest handloom textile operation in Panchkula, further strengthened his reputation as a designer deeply rooted in Indian heritage.
In December last year, Bal faced health issues that required intensive care after being admitted to a private hospital in Gurugram for cardiac concerns. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian fashion, leaving behind a legacy that blends traditional artistry with a visionary approach.