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An unparalleled universe of fashion, glamour, glitz, and revelry came to life at Blenders Pride Fashion 2025’s inaugural edition in Gurugram. The event held at Le Meridien was a magnificent tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of designer Rohit Bal. The Fashion Tour, in an exceptional collaboration with late designer Rohit Bal’s team, orchestrated a series of breathtaking showcases, culminating in a celebration that honored his artistic genius, craftsmanship, and vision that redefined Indian couture. The grand event was further elevated by Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, who took center stage as the showstopper for this special tribute.
In partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the evening illuminated Bal’s impeccable sense of fashion, his deep-rooted connection to Kashmiri heritage, and his boundless persona. The venue was transformed into a spectacular landscape of Bal’s signature motifs, curated by Sumant Jayakrishnan, while celebrated Chef Suvir Saran paid homage to Kashmir’s rich culinary traditions. The soulful music, composed by Vibha Saraf and Deveshi Sahgal, perfectly complemented the grandeur of the evening. The runway was graced by over 100 of Bal’s closest friends from the worlds of fashion, Bollywood, and media, including luminaries such as Kalyani Chawla, Varun Bahl, Rajiv Makhni, Madhur Bhandarkar, JJ Valaya, Rahul Dev, Mugdha Godse, Esha Gupta, Malini Ramani, Vijender Singh, and of course, actress Sonam Kapoor.
Sonam Kapoor’s teary-eye send-off to Rohit Bal:
After her appearances at the Paris Fashion Week, Sonam Kapoor stole the spotlight at an event honouring the late Rohit Bal, whom she shared a close bond. Sonam grew emotional while walking the ramp and later revealed that the outfit she wore as a tribute was originally designed by Bal for her 15 years ago. Sonam Kapoor, reminiscing about her long-standing association with Rohit Bal, expressed, “It has always been an honor to be Rohit’s muse, donning his extraordinary creations for many years. Being a part of this unique celebration of his legacy at Blenders Pride Fashion Tour has been a true privilege, and one that will remain etched in my memory forever.”
A night to remember:
The presence of Delhi’s who’s who, coupled with striking projections of Bal’s pictures and videos, evoked raw emotion and nostalgia on this iconic night. Kartik Mohindra, CMO of Pernod Ricard India, shared his thoughts on the momentous occasion, stating, “This celebration of Rohit Bal’s legacy was one for the ages. It reflected our long-standing commitment to highlighting the iconic voices shaping Indian fashion. Our partnership with Bal over the years has been incredible, and it was only fitting that the Fashion Tour commemorated him in a way that truly reflected his impact. As the tour progresses, we will continue to showcase the evolving landscape of fashion as ‘The One and Only’ platform converging innovation and iconicity like never before.”
The Gurugram edition was a perfect example of the iconic world of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour and the impact it creates by bringing together the most remarkable names in fashion and style, remarked curator and designer Ashish Soni. He added, ” As curator of the tour, it’s thrilling to see how it continues to evolve as ‘The One and Only’ platform for cutting-edge fashion experiences.” Speaking about the association, Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, expressed his pride in collaborating with the Fashion Tour, stating, “FDCI couldn’t have been prouder to partner with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour in crafting the most awe-inspiring tribute to Rohit Bal. This event beautifully captured his legacy, and as two powerhouses in fashion, we remain committed to shaping the future of fashion experiences.”
As the Fashion Tour moves forward, the next stop is Chandigarh on February 8th, 2025, where designer Kanika Goyal’s street-luxe fashion will meet the glamorous edge of Jacqueline Fernandez, accompanied by electrifying performances from Harrdy Sandhu and Hari-Sukhmani. With each edition, the tour continues to redefine the fashion landscape, paying homage to legends while shaping the future of couture.
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