Slow Bal

Rohit Bal had an off-site show last night at Cibo,his restaurant in Hotel Janpath.

Rohit Bal had an off-site show last night at Cibo,his restaurant in Hotel Janpath. There was much chatter through the day on what he would show,also about his selective guest list and no entry to press photographers. It gave his show an anticipatory mystique.

The Cibo courtyard was dressed up in shades of Autumn-Winter. The mellow and moody glow of candles made everyone looked pretty and smooth-skinned the first sign of a good party. Many of the designers buddies were there,as were Delhi elite,his clients,well-wishers and even some besotted fans. Surprisingly,there was no young designer,neither the debutantes nor the middle-order,who are now making a powerful statement at fashion weeks.

Everyone was getting fidgety when suddenly the violin started playing and the crowds collective gaze shifted to the sound. The audience could see some two dozen models in all-encompassing white (wasnt it mulmul?) standing in the shadows on the brick-laid rooftop of Cibo,while the glare of the lights chose the violinist.

Suddenly,then,as lights lit up your two exhibits mounted on both sides of the courtyard,the focus was on the artist in Rohit Gudda Bal. Beautifully constructed garments deep reds and intense maroons with moss green and gold on one side,and his omnipresent whites on the other. More violinists stung the evening with melody while lights returning to burn the models who now looked like apparitions from Bals mind. What was showered on them? Attention? Confetti,flower petals? It was difficult to make out. Very heady.

Great idea to mount fashion as art as well as craft. But it is his restless imagination that translates into clothes and keeps his brand alive and relevant despite the years that have caught on. Bal is Indian yet universal,he has a quest; unfulfilled as an artist and thats why his clothes are a rage.

In his former collections such as Siyahi,Shararat,Shanti his clothes have brought his disquiet onto the ramp. But by having them pose as art pieces this time,he took away the palpable and infectious energy that defines a Rohit Bal show where the background noise (or voice) is his,whichever music he chooses and whoever his show-stopper may be.

In the end,when he comes to the ramp dancing,wearing his vulnerable stoicism lightly,the clothes get a new finish. That was missing yesterday. He should come back to the ramp next time. By design.

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