For more updates about the The BoF 500 subscribe to the Daily Digest newsletter

For more updates about the The BoF 500 subscribe to the Daily Digest newsletter

{alt missing}

Rohit Bal

Designer, Rohit Bal

The Indian designer draws upon his Kashmiri heritage and has ventured into the jewellery design and Indian bridal markets.

Biography

Rohit Bal is one of India’s most successful and respected designers. Marrying traditional patterns and craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, his designs are particularly popular with Indian society and celebrities. Time Magazine dubbed the designer “India's Master of fabric and fantasy.” He is best known for his use of Lotus and Peacock motifs, and for the spectacular construction in his clothing.

Bal was born in Kashmir and attended St Stephen’s College in New Delhi, where he obtained a first-class degree in history. The designer learned his craft at the National Institute of Fashion in the city and began his professional life working for his brother’s export company. However, he soon began designing for his own line, launching with a collection of traditional menswear in 1990. He has since expanded into accessories and womenswear, with plans to roll out distribution of women's handbags, eyewear and fragrance across India.

Bal is a prolific collaborator and has partnered with Hidesign, Oriflame, Mitsubishi Outlander and Windproof Zippo Lighter. He is also an ambassador for Omega watches and is sponsored by the Swatch Group. His clients include Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell .

Bal was awarded the Designer of the year at the International Fashion Awards in 2001 and 2004, as well as the Indian Fashion Awards in 2006. In February 2012 he was named grand finale designer at Lakme Fashion Week. 

Career

Rohit Bal

Rohit Bal

Designer

1990 - Present

New Delhi, India

Education

National Institute of Fashion Technology

National Institute of Fashion Technology

Vital Statistics

Born
8 May 1961
Nationality

India

Location
India
Member since
2013

Similar Profiles

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Designer, Sabyasachi

Rajesh Pratap Singh

Designer, Rajesh Pratap Singh

Prabal Gurung

Designer, Prabal Gurung

Manish Arora

Designer, Manish Arora


What is The BoF 500?

The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.