Designer Rocky S remembers ‘mentor’ Rohit Bal: Kashmir was his artistic inspiration

Designer Rocky S called the late designer Rohit Bal an ‘icon’ and referred to him as his ‘mentor’ in the fashion industry. In an exclusive interview with India Today Digital, Rocky talked about the artistic inspiration of Bal’s collections and how he always kept Kashmir close to his heart.
Rocky S said Bal’s death is a big loss to their industry, and he would always be remembered as someone who was ‘brilliant’ at everything he did. The designer said, “It’s an huge loss for our industry. He was excellent, brilliant and one of the only designers who was a pioneer in everything they did. He was like a mentor.”
Rocky added, “I used to know him as an extremely sweet person, and someone who was extremely talented. Something that he did is going to be amazing and live forever. He would inspire everyone by what he had started and what he had done in his career.”
The designer shared that Bal wouldn’t talk too much and believed in expressing himself through his craft. He explained, “I don’t exactly remember when I last met him, but I believe it was a few years back. I was in Delhi and we just hugged each other. He was not much of a talking person but someone who was fabulous at what he did. We shared a good relationship and respected each other as designers. I always looked up to him. He knew about that.”
When asked if he remembered any of Bal’s designs for his creative excellency, Rocky S described the late designer’s fascination with Kashmir. He said, “I, of course, remember the last showcase he did at the Lakme Fashion Week (earlier this year). He showcased his signature line – the flowers – and inspiration from Kashmir, which he kept so strongly in his collections throughout his career. He believed in his art and believed in pushing his craft. I respected him for that. ”
Bal, who was 63 when he breathed his last, had been battling heart ailments for some time. He made his comeback to work earlier this year and showcased his last show at the Lakme India Fashion Week in October in Delhi. The designer stumbled on the ramp, leaving fans worried about his health. He was also one of the founding members of FDCI (Fashion Design Council of India).