It was a starry night at the Imperial, New Delhi. The audience waited with bated breath as they gazed at a 3D projection of roses, one of the most iconic motifs of Indian couturier Rohit Bal’s collection. At the grand finale of the Lakme X FDCI fashion week on Sunday, the enfant terrible lived up to his reputation, grooving to music on the ramp while taking a bow with showstopper Ananya Panday. This moment was especially poignant as Bal had battled heart disease for over a year, leading to extended hospitalization in November 2023.

The audience rose to give a standing ovation to the designer for his collection “Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe,” celebrating the beauty of nature and the elegance of flowers. In a beautiful ode to his Kashmiri roots, Gudda, as he is affectionately known, presented a breathtaking tribute to nature’s eternal cycle of growth, reflected in every garment that graced the runway.

From milky white to deep burgundy, colors and florals dominated the runway as models glided down to a 90s playlist featuring Madonna and Kate Bush, channeling the vibe of old-school fashion shows. Ananya Panday closed the show wearing a noir floral lehenga that perfectly encapsulated the collection’s timeless elegance and celestial beauty.

In a press conference after the show, Panday revealed her outfit was extremely similar to a floral jacket “Gudda” had made for her father, Chunky Panday. She humorously admitted to “stealing from my dad’s closet.” Bal, in a press release, described “Kaaynaat” as a journey through the wonders of nature, celebrating the bloom of life and beauty. He expressed his joy in collaborating with Lakmé, noting that the collection reflects both the grace of nature and the enduring power of beauty.

Industry insiders, including fashion critic Diet Sabya, have speculated that this might be Bal’s last show as his illness seems to be worsening. Despite his visible frailty, Bal’s spirit shone brighter than ever, leaving a lasting impression on the full house present at the show.