Indian fashion designer Rohit Bal has died aged 63. In November last year, Bal was put on life support at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram because of a pre-existing cardiac condition.
"We mourn the passing of legendary designer Rohit Bal," the Fashion Design Council of India said in a statement on Instagram.
"Known for his unique blend of traditional patterns with modern sensibilities, Bal's work redefined Indian fashion and inspired generations."
According to his website, Bal graduated from St Stephen's College in New Delhi with a degree in history. He then worked in his family's export business for a few years before launching his label and designer line in 1990.
In his work, Bal drew from "wide and varied" influences, according to a promotional statement on his site. It adds: "From the village crafts and traditional methods of design that India is so rich in, to the transient phenomenon of the subcontinent's urban landscape, the designer brings them all to life."
He was known for frequently dressing high-profile stars, both Indian and international, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranveer Singh, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Ivanka Trump, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Uma Thurman.
The council's chairman Sunil Sethi said on Instagram that the passing of Pal, popularly called Gudda, "will leave a void in the fashion design space for ever".
"Everyone admired him for his attention to detail, how beautifully his lotus bloomed on modern shapes and his understanding of what modern women desired," Sethi added.
Additional reporting from AFP
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
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Anita Williams
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