Sonam Kapoor Ahuja Stuns in Archival Rohit Bal Ensemble: A Heartfelt Tribute
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja Stuns in Archival Rohit Bal Ensemble: A Heartfelt Tribute
In a touching homage to the late designer Rohit Bal, fondly known as Gudda, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja recently showcased a stunning ensemble that artfully blended archival pieces from 2015, 2016, and 2024. Her Diwali outfit offered a captivating glimpse into the enchanting world of the celebrated designer, leaving fashion enthusiasts in awe.
The Legacy of Rohit Bal
The Rohit Bal woman has always exuded an striking calmness in her demeanor. Often adorned in pristine, billowy dresses, gothic rose-laden capelets, and regal velvets, the layered and rare sightings of the Rohit Bal universe have always unveiled a delectable world of allure and mystery. His passing, after a prolonged illness, has left a void that no amount of beauty and creativity can fill. His last show, featuring celestial embroideries and set to Madonna’s Vogue, once again transported the fashion world into a realm of awe and escapism.
Beyond being an artist par excellence, Bal was a pioneering visionary within the Indian fashion space and a guiding light for all fledgling creatives. His unique designs were consistently imbued with codes inspired by his Kashmiri heritage, dedicated to creating pieces that were both wearable and hard to replicate.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s Homage
Dressed for the Diwali season, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja stepped out in Gudda’s finest creations, carefully selected from his most memorable collections. Her ensemble included:
- A ruffled white rose neck harness from Bal’s Husn-e-Taihrat or the Birds of Paradise collection (2015).
- A rust gold broderie anglaise trailing cape from Bal’s Kroshni, showcased at the Lakmé Fashion Week in 2016.
- A cascading pure white flowy georgette dress from the late designer’s swansong Kaaynaat or Universe (2024).
The Rohit Bal Aesthetic
Kapoor Ahuja’s archival pieces culminate in Bal’s distinct and irretrievable vocabulary: an array of whites and ivories, layered and flouncy silhouettes that at once dovetail with your being while making it larger-than-life, and, of course, the modest sensuality of the Rohit Bal rose. His creations were consistently imbued with these codes, often inspired by his Kashmiri heritage and a dedication to creating something both wearable and unique.
Kapoor Ahuja’s look also speaks of the Rohit Bal woman—one who is effortlessly put-together, elegantly mysterious, and poised yet amiable. The softness of delicate fabrics, the richness of high-neck capes, and seamless craftsmanship with accents that subtly add a tad bit of drama—Bal’s pieces were an extension of his charismatic self.
A Personal Tribute
Sujata Assomull, in her living ode to the designer, reminisced, “Years before I ventured into the world of fashion journalism, my first designer outfit, at the age of 19, was a creation by Rohit Bal. A flowing pink kurta with an empire waistline, complemented by a delicate organza jacket in orange with intricate pink embroidery—a cherished piece that is stored in a trunk. It made me feel like an Indian princess, and till date, I am yet to find a kurta that makes me feel so dressed up, yet is so simple, light, and modern. Everything Bal designs has a feel of timelessness.”
For further insights into Rohit Bal’s impact on Indian fashion, you can read this tribute.
