The passing of the iconic fashion designer Rohit Bal has sent ripples of sorrow throughout the fashion world.
Many known faces from the industry, including Bollywood stars like Sonam Kapoor and Ananya Panday, along with renowned designer Manish Malhotra, took to social media to express their heartfelt tributes to Rohit Bal, lovingly referred to as ‘Gudda’ by those who admired him.

Sonam Kapoor shared her thoughts, saying, “Dear gudda, I heard about your passing as I was on my way to celebrate Diwali wearing your stunning creation that you generously lent me for the second time. I’ve been blessed to know you, wear your designs, and walk for you on multiple occasions. I hope you’re at peace. Always your biggest fan.” She accompanied her message with several photos of them together.
Ananya Panday, who had the honour of being the “last” muse for Rohit Bal and walked the ramp as a showstopper during his comeback show at Lakme Fashion Week 2024, also shared her sorrow. She posted a sweet snapshot from the event, adding, “Gudda . Om Shanti.”
Fellow designer Manish Malhotra described Rohit Bal’s passing as both “sad and shocking.”
Actor Pulkit Samrat shared his sentiments on Instagram, saying, “The OG will be missed.”
The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) also announced the news on their official Instagram account this past Friday. Their post read, “We mourn the passing of Legendary designer Rohit Bal. A founding member of the FDCI, Bal was known for his ability to intertwine traditional patterns with modern sensibilities. His work redefined Indian fashion and inspired countless generations. His legacy of artistry and innovation will forever remain in the fashion world. Rest in peace, GUDDA.”

In October 2024, Bal made a remarkable return to the runway, nearly a year after facing serious health issues. He showcased his collection titled “Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe” during the grand finale at Lakme Fashion Week.
Bal had struggled with health concerns for some time, having been hospitalized in 2023 at Medanta Hospital in Delhi due to heart problems. After a few weeks, he expressed his gratitude through a heartfelt post, acknowledging the support he received. He wrote, “Dear friends, family, and supporters, I am deeply touched by your outpouring of love and prayers during my illness. Your support has been a beacon of hope and strength, helping me on my journey to recovery. As I heal, I am reminded of the resilience of our bond and our shared dreams. I assure you, the show must go on. Your faith in our vision drives its success. Thank you for being my light in these challenging times. Let’s keep moving forward with hope and courage.”
Rohit Bal was 63 when he left us, and his absence will be keenly felt within and beyond the Indian fashion industry.

When it comes to embodying royalty on the runway, Shraddha Kapoor never fails to impress. The talented actress turned heads as she graced the ramp for designer Kalki during Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI, captivating audiences in a breathtaking light pink embellished lehenga set. Her appearance not only highlighted her stunning beauty but also sparked conversations within the fashion world.
The lehenga set was a striking representation of Kalki’s latest collection, “Mushk,” which celebrates versatility, vivacity, and the rich heritage of Banaras.This collection features timeless pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair, making them perfect for modern celebrations. Shraddha’s outfit perfectly encapsulated this vision, showcasing a light pink lehenga that emphasized her elegant silhouette.

The lehenga featured a sweetheart neckline blouse that beautifully accentuated Shraddha’s curves. Adorned with intricate silver and pink embellishments, the blouse was a stunning focal point of the ensemble. Adding a unique touch, pink tassels adorned the sleeves, enhancing the overall aesthetic and providing a playful yet sophisticated element to her look. The heavily embroidered skirt exemplified masterful craftsmanship, filled with intricate detailing and beadwork that exemplified the essence of the collection.
In a refreshing twist, Shraddha chose to forgo the dupatta, allowing the lehenga to take center stage. This decision highlighted her confidence and allowed the intricate craftsmanship to shine through without distraction. She kept her accessories minimal, opting for a basic diamond choker and a pair of statement earrings, which complemented her outfit without overwhelming it. This choice reinforced the elegance of her overall appearance.

For her makeup, Shraddha went for a radiant look with a glowy base and generous applications of highlighter, creating a luminous effect. Soft, smokey eyes paired with wispy lashes added depth to her gaze, while a nude lip completed her beauty ensemble. Her long, wavy tresses cascaded down one side, framing her face beautifully and adding an effortless charm to her appearance.
Shraddha Kapoor’s stunning appearance at Lakmé Fashion Week not only showcased her impeccable fashion sense but also celebrated the artistry of Indian craftsmanship. Her ability to blend timeless elegance with modern elements makes her a true style icon, inspiring many to embrace their own unique fashion statements.

Olympic medal winner Manu Bhaker knocked at the runway for Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI in New Delhi. She graced the ramp affair wearing Marks & Spencer’s debut collection “Big Autumn Energy”.
Manu hit the ramp in an extremely striking two-piece set in monochromatic faux leather, quite encapsulating the effervescence that defines the latest collection. Her outfit was a high-waisted A-line leather-look midi skirt paired with a sleeveless top to match.The rounded clean neckline and button fastening at the back only added a bit of chicness, justly epitomising the earthy umber tones of the season.

Manu’s runway experience
“Walking the runway for M&S was an exhilarating experience, the ‘Big Autumn Energy’ theme perfectly captured the excitement of the collection and how it can transform your style this season. Wearing the outfit made me feel vibrant and alive, and I loved showcasing pieces that reflect the bold spirit of autumn. This collection is all about embracing the season and celebrating its energy through fashion,” said an excited Manu post the show.
About the collection
Unveiled during one of India’s premier fashion events, Marks & Spencer-the quintessential British retailer-created a truly marvelous Autumn Winter ’24 collection. The collection has made great marriage between modern trends and timeless elegance, designed to elevate any wardrobe.
Highlights of the collection
The easy-to-wear pieces with lively hues and playful textures made the womenswear segment a brightly coloured selection that is so carefully curated. The elevated jersey tops, stylish spring macs, cropped jackets, and tailored maxi skirts saw some bright key pieces. Innovative fabrics offered a glossy finish to daywear, enhancing tailored pieces with clever knitwear as the temperatures drop.
The collection released modern and versatile casual wear styles. Accessories had the variety of stylish endowments, including cape scarves, brushed beanie hats, and armor-plated carry bags, so to speak, that emphasized metallic details.
Comfort, quality, and laid-back style best define the collection of menswear. Some of its most important colours are grey, midnight blue, and pine green and pair so well with softer nude and darker tones. Elevated designs in Smart Edit range include grindle pieces from fabric, 3D textured long-sleeve knitwear, and double-breasted blazers made from Donegal wool for maximum comfort.

The casual wear for men highlighted grindle checks, graphic tees with autumn prints, clean tech overshirts, and soft baseball jackets. These came loose-fit chinos. Accessories for men were seen in the form of classic belts in black, brown, and navy, as well as woven ones.
Marks & Spencer marked their foray into Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI in a confetti-filled, style-studded, energy-soaring celebration, with Manu Bhaker expressing the oomph of the vivacious collection. Just in time to usher autumn into the fashion world, this collection promises to bring both poise and excitement to wardrobes.