FabIndia’s Driving Vigour Bimla ‘Bim’ Bissell Passes Away At 93
Bim’s contributions were pivotal to FabIndia’s success - she crafted its signature aesthetic, championing handloom sarees and traditional silver jewellery
Bimla ‘Bim’ Bissell, the dynamic force behind FabIndia and wife of its founder John Bissell, passed away on Thursday at the age of 93. Renowned for her lively spirit and dedication to Indian crafts, she is survived by her son William and daughter Monsoon. Her contributions extended well beyond the iconic brand she helped shape, leaving a lasting legacy that transformed Indian fashion and craftsmanship.
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP, expressing his condolences, mentioned on X, “Bim Bissell, the doughty, tireless, colourful, and sharp-witted soul who did more than anyone to make FabIndia one of India’s best-known brands, is no more. Her work empowered craftsmen and made Indian handlooms chic. I shall miss her commanding presence, especially at her lively Christmas parties.”
Born Bimla Nanda, of Punjabi origin, Nanda married John Bissell, an American who founded FabIndia in 1960. Initially, she worked as a social secretary to U.S. ambassadors in Delhi, including John Kenneth Galbraith, President Kennedy’s envoy to India. Her career took a transformative turn when she joined John in shaping FabIndia into a celebrated Indian brand.
Bim’s contributions were pivotal to FabIndia’s success. She crafted its signature aesthetic, championing handloom sarees and traditional silver jewellery. Her efforts fostered strong ties with artisans across the country, building a vast network that became the foundation of FabIndia. She also broadened the brand’s offerings to include furnishings, furniture, and crafts, blending India’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary design.
Bim’s dedication to education was equally remarkable. In the 1960s, she managed the Playhouse School on Delhi’s Tughlaq Road. Many years later, in 2021, she co-founded another Playhouse in Sunder Nursery, underscoring her lifelong passion for nurturing children’s education.
Recognised for her unique style, Bim was often seen in handloom sarees complemented by silver bangles—a look that became her trademark. Even in her later years, she remained a vibrant presence in Delhi’s cultural and social circles.
