Kiara Advani's ode to Rohit Bal sparked debates, with Diet Sabya tagging her stylist as 'strictly Bollywood' and not fashion.
Renowned fashion designer, Rohit Bal aka Gudda breathed his last on November 1, 2024. As the industry gradually recovered from this loss, Kiara Advani became the target of huge backlash because of her choice of styling the designer’s swansong collection in the Game Changer teaser launch.
Kiara Advani has had her share of faux pas moments before, but this time, her styling choice sparked outrage among fashion savants. Her initial look at the Game Changer teaser launch set social media abuzz. The actress styled an exquisite rose-embroidered gown from late designer, Rohit Bal's swansong collection, Kaaynat. She completed her look with kundan jewellery and bold kajal.
However, fashionmongers were quick to notice a vital detail missing from Kiara’s ensemble. The actress had missed the elaborate jacket that had accompanied Rohit Bal’s original runway look. And that omission didn’t go unnoticed, especially by popular fashion influencers on social media.
As stunning as Kiara Advani looked in her strapless gown, fashion experts did not take her choice in a positive light. Designers, influencers and even fans felt her outfit appeared somewhat incomplete without the original jacket, which featured intricate floral and animal motifs and added a layer of richness and depth to the ensemble. The jacket embodied the essence of Rohit Bal's vision, giving the gown an extra dimension and cultural flair.
It wasn’t long before the fashion critic page, 'Diet Sabya' took to Instagram to voice disapproval. Known for blatantly exposing imitations and appropriations in the fashion industry, Diet Sabya's post can be read as:
“If you are going to wear a Rohit Bal, why would you not wear the entire look?? Especially when it’s from his last show??? Especially when the look is incomplete without the jacket?? Whoever is loaning out these Bal pieces - would like to have a chat. Would also like to have a chat with Kiara's stylist on some fashion etiquettes and unspoken rules that we simply DO NOT CROSS. But I guess you are a strictly Bollywood stylist because you’ll never be fashion”
Kiara’s couture controversy sparks reminders of celebrities who paid tribute to late designers by fully embracing their original designs, prioritising the creator’s vision over their aesthetic. One notable instance was when Lady Gaga famously wore the closing look from Alexander McQueen's final Plato’s Atlantis collection, complete with his iconic Armadillo shoes, in her Bad Romance music video, eternalising McQueen’s vision into a lasting symbol of his artistry.
Regardless of whether or not Kiara fulfilled the legacy of Kaaynat, some of her fans rallied in support of her bold choice to reinterpret the look.
On the work front, Kiara will soon appear opposite Ram Charan in Game Changer, set to release on January 10, 2025. This highly anticipated movie will mark their first on-screen collaboration. She’s also part of Farhan Akhtar’s next big film, Don 3, where she’ll star alongside Ranveer Singh in a crime thriller.
What are your views on Kiara altering Rohit Bal's legacy ensemble?
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