New Delhi: Rohit Bal, one of the big names in the fashion world, has no plans to shift base abroad, but he does want to promote rich Indian culture offshore through his creations.
“I am not going anywhere, my product is going abroad. I am right here living my life. I am an Indian who is trying to send India to the world through his brand and designs,” Bal told IANS.
Indian designer Rohit Bal (C) dances as Katrina Kaif (2nd L) and Ranbir Kapoor, (centre R) watch during Bal’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. Reuters
After over two decades in the Indian fashion industry, he is experimenting and expanding his business through international tie-ups and the latest is his association with Ege, a Danish multi-national carpet company. This is for the first time that the brand has partnered with a designer outside Europe.
“Ege as a brand is proud to be associated with Rohit Bal. India is a vast market where we see huge potential as the demand for luxury products is ever increasing,” said Svend Nielson, CEO, Ege.
Bal takes pride in associating with Ege. “I am proud as this is the first time that an Indian designer is doing such a large project. These carpets will sell at 65 international markets worldwide, so I think I am doing my country proud.”
In India, carpet collection by Bal will be sold in two categories – wall to wall carpets for hotels, airports and corporate offices; and rugs that will have the designer’s signature on them.
According to Bal, the designs reflect true India – something that the world wants to see.
“We have made 30 designs in different colours that reflect contemporary India. It is the India that we share with the world. There are motifs of peacock and lotus, flowers and embroideries. In one word, we can say that the collection is Indian contemporary classics,” he said.
The price starts from Rs 20,000 per sq metre. Shift from the ramp to other medium is a natural progression, says Bal.
“Creativity is not restricted to the ramp only. Creativity helps explore…As a designer, it’s a natural progression to go into other creative medium,” he said and added that he plans to use Kashmiri motifs for carpets.
“I am from Kashmir and I have always tried to work with Kashmiri weavers. I am working on that on Kashmiri carpet collection…the process is completely different with a lot of craft-based work involved in it,” he said.
IANS
