I write this column in grief because it is in tribute to Bim Bissell, who passed away last week. Bimla Nanda Bissell, ‘Bim’ to those who knew her, was one of the most remarkable ladies I have met. She was in her early nineties and in indifferent health. But she carried her age and ailments with a cheerful nonchalance, accepting that her time may be limited, but refusing that to dampen her zest for life.

For readers who may be less familiar with her name, she was the co-founder—along with her late American husband John Bissell—of the iconic brand Fabindia. John came to India in 1958 from the US to advise the All-India Handicrafts Council and the Cottage Industries on creating a market for handloom fabrics. He married Bim and the two set up Fabindia in 1960.

Both John and Bim were convinced that the aesthetic and sense of design of Indian textile artisans were unique, and the need of the hour was to work with them to give their products a commercial outlet and due recognition and visibility. Fabindia began with this mission and succeeded spectacularly. Today it has some 250 retail outlets in around 90 cities across India, including 10 abroad, in chic cities like Rome and........

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