Pim Bissell, the mind who made FabIndia a household name, has died at the age of 93

Pimla “Bim” Bissell, the driving force behind FabIndia and wife of founder John Bissell, died on Thursday at the age of 93. Known for her vibrant personality and commitment to Indian crafts, she leaves behind her son William and daughter Monson. Her influence extended far beyond the brand she helped shape, leaving a legacy that redefined Indian fashion and craftsmanship.

Congress member Shashi Tharoor, mourning her death, wrote on the Empowering artisans and making Indian handlooms elegant I will miss her commanding presence, especially at lively Christmas parties.

Born Bimla Nanda, of Punjabi descent, she married John Bissell, an American who founded FabIndia in 1960. Bimla initially worked as social secretary for US ambassadors in Delhi, including John Kenneth Galbraith, President Kennedy’s envoy to India. Her career pivoted when she joined John in transforming FabIndia into an iconic Indian brand.

Bim’s contributions to FabIndia have been helpful. She curated her aesthetic and is known for promoting handcrafted sarees and traditional silver jewellery. Her work established connections with artisans across the country, creating an extensive network that became the backbone of FabIndia. It has also expanded the brand’s product line to include furnishings, furniture and handicrafts, showcasing India’s cultural heritage through a modern lens.

Her passion for education was equally notable. In the 1960s, she ran the Playhouse School on Tughluq Road in Delhi. Decades later, in 2021, she co-founded Theater at Sander Nursery, affirming her lifelong commitment to children’s education.

Known for her signature style, Bim is often seen wearing sarees embellished with silver bangles, which is her signature look. Even in her later years, she remained a dynamic figure in Delhi’s cultural and social circles.