There was always a distinct energy to watching a Rohit Bal show, a world steeped in theatrical grandeur, with sweeping drapes and signature lotus motifs. A true visionary of Indian design, Gudda brought drama to the runway with his love for details and storytelling. Following in the creative footsteps of the late master who shaped the definition of Indian couture was a bold leap. Yet, for Fraze Tasnim, the brand’s Creative Director and CEO who spent over a decade by Bal’s side, taking the helm is less about rebranding and more about keeping a sacred flame burning.
“For me, it is about respecting what has already been created and taking it forward in the right way,” Fraze reflects on leading a heritage spanning over three decades. “I worked with Rohit sir for over a decade. I don’t want to change what the house stands for. I want it to evolve naturally.”
For Fraze, this determination stems directly from Bal’s own creative ethos. “One thing I learned from Rohit sir is that design is never just about one person,” he notes. “While creating a collection, he always listened to the artisans and embroiderers; their inputs were very important to him, and that is something I have carried forward.”
That spirit of respect and collaboration came together at the Hyundai Indian Couture Week 2026, where the label unveiled Dastkar. Set against a dramatic forest backdrop, the showcase proved that the runway still speaks the house code fluently.
Bringing together every iconic hallmark, from painterly florals to heavy velvets, the collection revealed a remarkably disciplined evolution. Guiding the house forward could have easily paved the way for timid imitation. Instead, Fraze chose to balance timeless craft with fresh creative risks, starting with an unexpected play on polka dots. “We kept working on the scale, placement and balance of the polka dots until it felt right,” he shares. “It went through quite a few changes, but in the end it became one of the elements I loved the most.”
As the house expands its narrative across both couture and prêt, Fraze’s vision remains firmly anchored in preserving the soulful identity of Bal’s legacy. Ultimately, the collection’s success was measured not in applause, but in the way the room suddenly fell still – a sentiment best captured by the feedback Fraze recalls and cherishes most: “It felt like Rohit Bal.” For a house carrying forward thirty years of creative legacy, no validation could be greater.
