Whimsical. Magician. crazy.

This is how Rohit Bal, one of the most talented and famous designers of Indian fashion, will be remembered. He passed away on Friday evening at the age of 63, leaving this world with the same twinkle and sparkle in his dreamy light eyes as he had always seen.

It is difficult to describe who and what Rohit Bal was. ‘Gudda’, as we all knew him was the ‘John Galliano’ of Indian fashion, whose designs knew nothing but beauty – the beauty he brought from his Kashmiri roots, the beauty he called Kashmiriyat. And the beauty that he saw in everything Indian woman. As it is said, he brought the world of Kashmir to the world of design.

He was the OG haute couturier of Indian fashion, whose signature designs based around louts and peacock motifs remained essentially unchanged throughout his career. However, he skillfully invented his clothes for different eras, enjoyed several renaissances and created a label that has earned its place in the fashion world’s hall of fame.

Each dress had a story to tell through the richly layered, vibrantly colored and exquisite artistry of her cuts. His aesthetic was sophisticated, sometimes OTT, which sold across different classes and cultures. that long buttoned kurtas And churidar, for him filigree-The laden velvets were a celebration of Rohit Bal’s outrageous sensuality. He often said, “I design for a woman who can show that she is strong but at the same time she is gentle and romantic.”

Ironically, her last show, called Kainaat – A Bloom in the Universe – was held just two weeks ago, which was the finale of Lakme Fashion Week. It was a perfect tribute to his motherland Kashmir, celebrating the immense beauty and divine beauty of nature. Who knew this would be his swan song, where he was dancing happily with the models bowing. What an end to his career and life.

Design for Gudda was an art. She was inspired by nature and drew on history, imagination and folklore to create masterpieces that every woman around the world craves.

She studied history at St. Stephen’s College and design at NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology). His deep understanding and influence of history and cultures was clearly visible in his attire. What they gave to India was a blend of heritage, culture and craft. He once described ‘waste’ as the soul of fashion.

As a young fashion journalist in the early 90s, I have followed his design journey over the last three decades. He never shied away from maximalism and was proud of the grandeur of his designs and shows. Even though style trends are increasingly moving towards simpler lines and more minimalistic looks, Gudda has never thought about softening her work.

His shows were dramatic and spectacular, where he brought hordes of models down the ramp celebrating color and attire. Everything about them was grand – be it the designs on their clothes or their interiors. He started a restaurant named ‘Veda’ in Delhi with his close friend Suvir Saran, a Michelin star chef, where along with the food, the lavish interiors also became the talk of the town. Suvir, who shared a very close relationship with him, describes him as an emperor. Magician. Visionary. Humanist.

Apart from his incredible designs, Gudda was also known for throwing extravagant parties. He used to be the attraction of every party in Delhi, whenever you saw him he would be dancing all night long without any restrictions. His friends describe him as a free spirit whose home was open to all. Some people called him ‘Enfant Terrible’ because he was candid and unfiltered, but everyone loved him.

Gudda was an enigma, which will always remain an enigma. His life was lived with love, passion and grandeur. His designs and outfits will become museum pieces, as he remains the most famous designer of Indian fashion.

Shine on dear Gudda, because you leave behind an immortal legacy that is as timeless as your designs.

And as they say – legends never go…they live on.