Bim Bissell, Architect of FabIndia’s Success, Dies at 93
Bimla Bisell, wife of FabIndia founder John Bisell, died. She was 93. She played a key role in the brand's development and is survived by her son, William, and daughter, Monsoon.
Bimla Bisell, a visionary who helped shape FabIndia, passed away on Thursday at the age of 93 due to age-related complications. She is survived by her son, William, and daughter, Monsoon, The Hindustan Times reported.
Known to friends as Bim, she was the wife of John Bissell, the founder of FabIndia- and had played an instrumental role in building her husband's brand. In 1958, she was a fellow advisor at the Foundation of Cottage Industries Emporium, Delhi, according to a report in The Indian Express.
With her expertise, she guided her husband, John Biselle, to establish FabIndia in 1960, a brand that specialises in traditional Indian textiles such as Chanderi, Sanganeri, Kutchi or Banarasi, across the globe. The brand has over 300 stores across the globe, including Italy, Singapore and the US.
Besides having an eye for textiles and style, Bill served as the Social Secretary to US Ambassadors. From 1975 to 1996, she also worked as an External Affairs Officer at the World Bank in New Delhi, where she was engaged in adopting elements from Indian textiles to a global platform. In 1992, Bim founded Udyogini with Elat Bhatt of SEWA using funds from the Japanese government and the World Bank. Udyogini aims to help landless women in India.
Also Read | These 5 Animals From Nature Can Depict Art
In a post on Instagram page ‘thedelhiwalla’, social worker and craft activist Laila Tyabji expressed her admiration for Bim Bisell's approach towards life. Bim, despite being hospitalised, attended a scheduled lunch in her signature style.
“Bim arrives for lunch hosted by designer Ritu Kumar. Delhi gossip is traded across the dining table, along with stuff on politics. Next, Bim heads to an appointment with the dentist, after which she attends a lecture at IIC, followed by showing up at a book release. Her day climaxes with a farewell dinner for a diplomat, and only then does she return to her elegant home in Panchsheel Park.”
Catch all the Business News , Corporate news , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
MoreLess
First Published:10 Jan 2025, 09:40 AM IST
- Top Gainers
- Top Losers
- 52 Week High