Synonymous with Indian fashion, designer Rohit Bal has continued to push boundaries in terms of design and been a mentor to younger designers. Though he was on the advisory board of the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012, Guddu had chosen not to participate this time around. “I did not have a show, only because I had other projects going on. As part of my business expansion plan, we are opening 14 more stores and I’m also working on home projects and interiors, more restaurants. So I’m taking a break from shows, and trying to make some money instead,” he says laughing.
Speaking about the influence of Bollywood on the fashion fraternity, he says, “Bollywood is the God of style and fashion in the country, so that would make Mumbai the fashion capital. But the one point where New Delhi scores over Mumbai is that it’s seasonal and people can actually dress up. But at the end of the day it’s what Priyanka Chopra and what Arjun Rampal wears, that matters. That’s the be all and end all of fashion in India. Bollywood rules and we are fools!” Talking about the Mumbai vs Delhi fashion week debate, Rohit admits he’s in a delicate situation as he represents both. “Mumbai fashion week gives a far more interactive platform to young designers and to new talent, which I think is fantastic. The thing about Delhi fashion week is it concentrates a lot on business. It’s about fashion at the end of the day, and I feel responsible. I hope I have the power that comes with being the brand I am. But like they said in Spiderman, with great power comes great responsibility,” says Rohit smiling.
The designer, who hadattended a few shows at the Mumbai fashion week was most impressed by designer Vaishali S. Guddu and is also very vocal about the burgeoning number of fashionweeks all over the country. “I don’t think they should even be called fashion weeks, because they’re not, they’re just fashion galas and tamashas. Basically each indivdual just wants the 15 minutes of fame. I think the more sensible designers should not participate in these fashion weeks. They’re like fly-by-night operations, here today gone tomorrow!”
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