Quick Facts
Biography
Rohit Khosla (29 November 1958 – 1994) was a pioneer of Indian fashion. He started his own label in 1987, along with his sister, designer Rohini Khosla.
Early life
He entered the Indian fashion scene when it was still a nascent industryand left his mark. Born in November 1958 to an affluent family, Rohit had always dreamed of becoming a fashion pioneer. He was an alumnus of The Doon School in Dehdradun, and also went to the UK for higher studies. In those days, it was considered a bold step to enter fashion, especially when one had such a high profile qualification. Rohit Khosla was the first Indian fashion designer to launch a haute couture label.
His family was extremely supportive of his fashion career. In his short life, Khosla spearheaded major contributions to the Indian fashion industry.
Career
In 1987, he co-founded Ensemble, India's popular designer label store in New Delhi, with Tarun and Sal Tahiliani, which started with five labels: Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Khosla, Neil Bieff, Amaya, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.
Many leading fashion designers of India trained under Rohit Khosla, including Aparna Chandra, Ranna Gill, Sonam Dobaland JJ Valaya.
Death
Khosla died in 1994, aged 36, due to cancer. He had earlier contracted HIV/AIDS.
Legacy
In 1998, Rohini Khosla published a book on his life and work, titled Rohit Khosla, Vanguard. In 2007 the India Fashion Week paid a tribute to him, with designers like Rohit Bal dedicating his collection to him.
The annual India Zee F Awards presents the Rohit Khosla Award for 'Debutante Designer of the Year'.