Bal banishes Bollywood!

It’s official now — not a single film star will be walking the ramp for designer Rohit Bal’s grand finale at the Delhi fashion week.

“The stars of the show will be my clothes,” said Rohit at the announcement of the grand finale designer on Friday. “The grand finale will be genuinely grand but I don’t want Bollywood celebrities to take away the spotlight. The point of focus has to be my collection.”

The 10th edition of the fashion extravaganza, organised by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) kicks off on September 5.

Bal, who will be creating an exclusive collection for sponsors Wills Lifestyle, has taken inspiration from the ancient tiles of Iznik in Turkey and named his collection ‘Syahi’ (ink). “I have extensively used shades of blue, especially ink blue,” said Bal, who’s palette ranges from desert neutral to vibrant ink blue and charcoal.

Another series Bal is creating is called ‘Intertwined’ — which takes off from the ‘made for each other’ motto of the sponsors. “It also indicates the way I have used fabrics to design silhouettes,” the designer added.

Needless to say, FDCI director general, who’s constantly nagged by fashion hacks about the ‘rival’ fashion week in Mumbai, is thrilled that the ‘master of fabric and design’ will be tipping the scales in her favour in Delhi.

“Rohit Bal is a master creator. His address to the fashion industry is intelligent and studied, yet imaginative and inspiring with a touch of innocence. We are very proud about this association and raise a toast to him,” beamed Jha.