Rohit Bal rediscovers the glorious legacy of India with a mesmeric show
The Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale, held on
October 28, 2009, in the capital presented by
ace designer Rohit Bal was a magnificent tribute
to the resplendent glory of India's rich
cultural heritage. The collection called 'Yasas'
was dedicated to splendour and grandeur of the
Golden Peacock, a name once India was known by,
the glamour and inherent luxury that India once
was a part of. Rohit Bal brought alive on the
ramp his unique individual interpretation of the
regal era.
The Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale Spring/Summer
2010 set new benchmarks in creativity and
entertainment and promised to be a world class
event. The evening saw the ramp bedecked with
iconic creation of lotuses and earthen pots
reminiscent of the olden days. The dramatic
element was hovered through the show arena
creating surreal effect that mesmerized the
audiences. It was a truly spectacular sight!
Playing alongside was live performance by The
Price Group from Orissa, recent winners of the
reality show 'India's got talent'.
Commenting on the collection, Atul Chand,
Divisional Chief Executive, ITC's Lifestyle
Retailing, said "At the Wills Lifestyle
Grand Finale, Rohit Bal, celebrated as
the master of fabric and fantasy, presented a
collection marked by opulence and elegance. Each
ensemble was resplendent with his creative
genius. The result has been sheer magnificence."
He further added, "Our partnership with Rohit
extends beyond the ramp. Today's Grand Finale
collection will be the inspiration for our Wills
signature line of exclusive designer wear and
will be retailed at the Wills Lifestyle stores
across the country."
Speaking on the occasion, Rohit Bal said, "I am
really thrilled to showcase my collection at the
Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale once again. Our
association goes beyond the ramp; I've had a
splendid experience with country's premium
fashion & lifestyle brand."
The collection is based on supreme craft
and a marriage of the classic with contemporary.
The story portrays the metamorphosis of ancient
Indian techniques being given a modern and fresh
avtar. The embroideries are all finely hand done
and each piece has taken months to create. There
is a unique mix of fabrics which is
unpredictable and whimsical, showcasing Rohit's
signature style of playing beautifully with
different structures in fabric. It embraces
soft, unpretentious muslins with rich velvets
and brocades, gentle and fluid shapes, free
spirited and feminine.
Going back and digging deep into the archives of
ancient Indian costumes, pre Mughal and Mughal,
the textiles, the colors and the embroideries
are in fact a journey into the past of this
magnificent culture. There is a serene purity in
this collection; purity and tranquility of the
handspun Mulmul and chanderi. The yards of
fabric representing the sheer luxury of
exquisite drapes and cascades of rich brocades
are a definitive statement of a strong and
intense Indian sensibility.
