Sonam Kapoor Ahuja recently paid a heartfelt tribute to the late designer Rohit Bal, stepping out in a stunning ensemble that celebrated the legacy of one of India’s most iconic fashion visionaries. For the last of the Diwali season, Kapoor Ahuja chose to honor the designer by wearing archival pieces from some of Bal’s most memorable collections, blending the past, present, and future of his distinctive fashion language.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja Honors Rohit Bal with Archival Pieces in Timeless Fashion Tribute
Rohit Bal, who passed away after a prolonged illness, left an indelible mark on the Indian fashion scene with his romantic, intricate designs. His work, always rooted in his Kashmiri heritage, offered a world of timeless beauty—one that blended mystique, elegance, and art into wearable masterpieces. His passing created a void in the industry, but his legacy remains strong, carried forward through his artistry and the memories of his unforgettable creations.
A Timeless Fashion Homage
Sonam Kapoor wearing pieces from Rohit Bal in Timeless Fashion Tribute
For this special occasion, Kapoor Ahuja carefully selected pieces from Bal’s past collections that encapsulated the designer’s unique approach to fashion. Dressed in a combination of pieces from his Husn-e-Taihrat (2015), Kroshni (2016), and Kaaynaat (2024), the actress and fashion icon brought the elegance and mystery of the Rohit Bal universe to life.
Kapoor Ahuja’s outfit featured a delicate white ruffled rose neck harness from Husn-e-Taihrat—a collection that celebrated the natural beauty of birds and flowers through intricate embellishments. She also wore a rust gold broderie anglaise trailing cape from Kroshni (2016), which reflected Bal’s mastery of detailed, delicate embroidery and his talent for merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. The final touch was a fluid, pure white georgette dress from Kaaynaat (2024), Bal’s swan song collection, which carried a celestial elegance and marked the culmination of his design journey.
Sonam Kapoor 2024 in Rohit Bal
These pieces, carefully chosen by Kapoor Ahuja, embody the essence of the Rohit Bal woman: poised, effortlessly sophisticated, and radiating a quiet, yet captivating sensuality. His signature use of layered whites, voluminous silhouettes, and subtle sensuality made his designs unforgettable, and Kapoor Ahuja’s look was the perfect homage to this distinctive fashion philosophy.
The Rohit Bal Woman: Elegant, Mysterious, and Timeless
Rohit Bal’s creations were always about more than just clothes—they were an invitation into a world of mystique, art, and beauty. Drawing on his rich Kashmiri heritage, Bal’s designs were imbued with cultural references, while his focus on craftsmanship ensured that each piece was as much a work of art as it was a garment. His use of luxurious fabrics, intricate embroidery, and fluid silhouettes gave his creations a sense of timelessness that transcended seasons and trends.
Sonam Kapoor 2024 in Rohit Bal pieces
The Rohit Bal woman, as epitomized by Kapoor Ahuja, is someone who effortlessly combines grace, mystery, and power. She moves through the world with an understated yet undeniable presence, commanding attention without ever seeking it. Kapoor Ahuja’s choice of these archival pieces speaks to the enduring relevance of Bal’s vision: a vision that celebrated both modernity and tradition, simplicity and grandeur.
Reflecting on Bal’s Timeless Influence
Fashion journalist Sujata Assomull, who shares a personal connection to Bal’s work, recalls her first experience wearing one of his creations. “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.”
This nostalgic reflection underscores the unique quality of Bal’s designs. His work was not just about fashion—it was about how his creations made you feel. His clothes had a timeless quality, offering a sense of luxury, simplicity, and modernity all at once. And this sense of timelessness is exactly what continues to resonate with those who wore his designs, like Kapoor Ahuja, and those who admired them from afar.
Celebrating Rohit Bal’s Enduring Legacy
While Rohit Bal’s untimely passing has left a void in the Indian fashion landscape, his influence remains ever-present. His legacy lives on not only through his timeless designs but through the women who wear them and the designers who follow in his footsteps. As Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s tribute reminds us, Rohit Bal’s work will never be forgotten. His designs were more than just pieces of clothing—they were a reflection of his artistic vision and his deep connection to India’s cultural roots.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s homage, wearing some of Bal’s most iconic pieces, is a beautiful reminder of how his creations transcend time and trends. As his legacy continues to inspire, his work remains a touchstone for future generations of fashion lovers, creatives, and dreamers alike.