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Arjun Rampal walked as showstopper at ICW 2025 in a heartfelt tribute to late designer Rohit Bal, unveiling the Kashmir-inspired collection Kash-Gul.
Arjun Rampal honours Rohit Bal at ICW 2025 with emotion, elegance, and Kash-Gul.
Arjun Rampal took center stage at the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, walking the ramp in honor of his late friend and legendary fashion designer, Rohit Bal. The designer passed away on November 1, 2024, and his latest collection, titled Kash-Gul, was unveiled posthumously by his team. This poignant presentation celebrated the elegance of Kashmir, Rohit Bal’s homeland and drew poetic inspiration from Gulistan, a metaphorical garden of blooms.
The show was a heartfelt tribute that resonated deeply with fashion lovers and the designer’s admirers held on July 28, the sixth day of ICW 2025 at the Taj Palace, New Delhi.
Arjun Rampal made a powerful appearance on the runway in a regal black velvet kurta adorned with silver hand embroidery. His look exuded both sophistication and sentiment, especially as he took a moment mid-walk to glance upward, pointing toward the sky in a gesture of remembrance for his dear friend, fondly known as ‘Gudda’.
While speaking to the media after the show, Rampal expressed his admiration and affection for Rohit Bal. “Legends never die,” he said, capturing the enduring legacy of the designer. Reflecting on Bal’s joyous spirit, he recalled, “Rohit never took fashion too seriously. He believed it should be fun and you could always see that energy in his garments and on his runway.”
He also shared a personal anecdote about receiving the sherwani for the show. “When I unzipped the garment bag, there was this fragrance, Gudda’s scent. His outfits had a distinct smell I’ve never experienced with any other designer’s clothes,” Rampal recounted.
He applauded Rohit Bal’s team for curating a fitting tribute through the collection. “I’m sure he’s up there dancing and feeling proud. You all did a beautiful job. God bless you. As I said, legends never die, they live on,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
True to Rohit Bal’s showmanship, the runway finale was filled with life and celebration. All the models, the design team, and Arjun Rampal danced together on the ramp, prompting a standing ovation from the audience, a moment reminiscent of Bal’s signature show endings.
This wasn’t Arjun Rampal’s first time being part of a Rohit Bal showcase. The 52-year-old actor has graced the designer’s runway on multiple occasions, including the finale of Gulbagh, another collection deeply rooted in the aesthetics of Kashmir.
The collection Kash-Gul stands as an emotional and artistic ode to Kashmir’s tranquil landscapes and to Rohit Bal’s creative spirit. “KASH-GUL reflects the soul of Rohit Bal. Every thread carries a memory; every silhouette echoes the feeling of home,” said Fraze Tasnim, Creative Director at Rohit Bal Couture.
The garments were rendered in a rich palette of ivory, inky black, and deep wine. Luxurious Indian textiles like Chanderi, Matka silk, and plush velvet formed the base for the silhouettes, which were further enhanced with detailed gold zardozi and intricate thread embroidery — hallmarks of the label’s timeless elegance.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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