Set against the ornate backdrop of New Delhi, Day 6 of India Couture Week 2025 was not just another evening of fashion—it was a deeply layered experience. While the earlier half of the day bathed the audience in pastel opulence courtesy of Jayanthi Reddy, the latter half slowed down to reflect, remember, and revere the timeless legacy of Rohit Bal. Two designers, two vastly different moods—but a single thread of couture excellence tied it all together.
Jayanthi Reddy’s Ethereal Romance: Janhvi Kapoor Shines in Pearls and Pastels
Kicking off the evening was Jayanthi Reddy, whose collection was a lyrical ode to timeless beauty woven with modern sensibility. Known for her regal take on traditional silhouettes, Reddy this time leaned into softness—with blush tones, sheer textures, and delicate craftsmanship—reminiscent of Mughal gardens and twilight rituals.
View this post on Instagram
Taking centre stage as the showstopper was Janhvi Kapoor, who floated down the runway in a blush-toned lehenga adorned with intricate threadwork, shimmering sequins, and pearl-strung sleeves. Her look, romantic yet assertive, encapsulated the label’s balance between nostalgia and newness. The structured blouse with a scalloped neckline and the softly trailing net dupatta added depth and movement, while her styling—a floral choker, delicate earrings, and tousled waves—completed the vision of a contemporary princess.
The rest of the collection was just as enchanting. From voluminous skirts embroidered in luminous patterns to tailored jackets layered over lehengas, Reddy’s silhouettes played with proportion and texture. The palette was restrained yet rich: ivory, blush, dusty rose, and soft gold—each piece designed to evoke quiet luxury and lingering elegance.
For an opening showcase, it was the perfect mood-setter: feminine, thoughtful, and resplendent in its grace.
Rohit Bal’s Kash-Gul: A Velvet-Lined Tribute to Eternal Craftsmanship
As twilight descended on the Couture Week venue, the mood shifted palpably. The room hushed, lights dimmed, and Rohit Bal’s atelier unveiled ‘Kash-Gul’—a posthumous collection that felt more like a love letter than a runway show. Translating to a garden of flowers, the title drew inspiration from the poetic beauty of Kashmir—Bal’s eternal muse.
View this post on Instagram
This was the designer’s second couture presentation since his passing in 2024, and it carried his unmistakable touch: opulence laced with soul. The collection played heavily with velvet—Bal’s signature fabric—rendered in jewel tones of wine, ivory, black, and midnight blue. Chanderi, matka silk, and soft sheer layers completed the textural symphony, brought alive with antique zardozi, metallic threadwork, and blooming floral motifs.
The silhouettes were striking in their restraint—regal sherwanis, sharply tailored bandhgalas, flowing gowns with baroque embellishments, and high-neck kaftans that echoed old-world charm. Every piece felt like a chapter from Bal’s diary—a personal story sewn into seams, guided by his eye even in his physical absence.
The show’s most emotional moment came in its finale: Arjun Rampal, long-time friend and muse of the designer, walked out in a deep wine velvet sherwani, adorned with exquisite gold embroidery. As he reached the end of the runway, he paused—head slightly bowed, eyes glistening, heart full. There were no words, yet the message was profound.
It was a reminder that Rohit Bal was not just a couturier—he was a cultural force. A storyteller. A man who believed that tradition could be radical and that couture, when crafted with intention, could move people.
Conclusion: A Day Etched in Emotion and Excellence
In a week already teeming with sartorial highs, Day 6 of India Couture Week 2025 stood out not for excess but for emotion. From Jayanthi Reddy’s whispering romance led by Janhvi Kapoor to Rohit Bal’s velvet-clad reverie brought to life by Arjun Rampal, it was a reminder of what true couture represents—artistry, emotion, and enduring legacy. It was a night where fashion did not just dazzle; it resonated.
