Sonam Kapoor Ahuja paid homage to Rohit Bal by combining ...

The Rohit Bal woman has always been strikingly calm in her demeanour. Often clad in pristine billowy dresses, gothy rose-laden capelets, and regal velvets, the layered and rare sightings of the Rohit Bal universe had always opened up a delectable world of allure and mystery that everyone ached to be a part of. His passing, after a prolonged illness, has left a certain vacuity that no dose of beauty and creativity can fulfil. The last of his shows witnessed a similar otherworldly quality with celestial embroideries, and Madonna's Vogue, Bal once again opened up the world of fashion while keeping it under the veils of awe and escape. Apart from being an artist par excellence, Bal was a pioneering visionary within the Indian fashion space and a guiding light for all fledgling creatives.

Dressed for the last of the Diwali season, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja stepped out decked in Gudda's (as endearingly addressed by friends and colleagues alike) finest creations, carefully picked from his most memorable collections. Kapoor Ahuja's ruffled white rose neck harness was from Bal's Husn-e-Taihrat or the Birds of Paradise collection. Her rust gold broderie anglaise trailing cape was from Bal's Kroshni, showcased at the Lakmé Fashion Week in 2016, while Kapoor's cascading pure white flowy georgette dress was from the late designer's swansong Kaaynaat or universe.

Kapoor Ahuja's archival pieces culminate Bal's distinct and irretrievable vocabulary: an array of whites and ivories, layered and flouncy silhouettes that at once dovetail with your being while making it larger-than-life, and, of course, the modest sensuality of the Rohit Bal rose.

His creations were consistently imbued with these codes which were often inspired by his Kashmiri heritage and a dedication to creating something that is both wearable yet hard to replicate. Kapoor Ahuja's look also speaks of the Rohit Bal woman. One who is effortlessly put-together, elegantly mysterious and poised yet amiable.

The softness of delicate fabrics, the richness of high-neck capes and seamless craftsmanship with accents that subtly add a tad bit of drama, Bal's pieces were an extension of his charismatic self.