Fashion designer Satya Paul breathed his last in Coimbatore yesterday. As condolences on social media pour in, Team Viva recalls how he launched his iconic label years ago, which continues to revamp the Indian saree with a new twist every now and then
Satya Paul’s legacy isn’t easy to beat. His stores in Delhi’s high-end markets and corners are full of crowds even today. The mere fact that his popularity is still as seasoned years after his first collection was launched is a testament of his class-apart design sensibility and a vivid colour palette. The maestro was the first designer to launch a saree boutique in India — L’Affaire — in 1980. He later launched the label, Satya Paul, in 1986, which is known for Indian prints.
As the world learnt the news of Paul’s demise in Coimbatore yesterday, through his son Puneet Nanda’s post, social media was flooded with condolences from the fashion industry and aspiring enthusiasts who looked up to the designer as a role model. Nanda posted on Facebook, “Most people are not aware that more than as a designer or an entrepreneur, he has been steadfastly a seeker. In the ‘70s, his inner journey had started with going to listen to talks with J Krishnamurty. Later, he took sannyaas from Osho. After Osho left in 1990, though he wasn’t seeking another Master, he discovered Sadhguru in 2007. He immediately started enjoying the path of yoga and eventually moved here (Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore) in 2015. He has been a doorway for hundreds of people towards spirituality and all the Masters he was so blessed to have been with. He couldn’t have had a sweeter life or passage… at the feet of the Master. We are sad only a bit, mostly rejoicing in him, his life and now his passing with such a blessing.”
Sadhguru took to Twitter to pay Paul a tribute. He wrote, “#SatyaPaul, a shining example of what it means to live with immeasurable passion and unrelenting involvement. The distinct vision you brought to the Indian #FashionIndustry is a beautiful tribute to this. A privilege to have had you amongst us. Condolences & Blessings.”
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said, “Sad to hear the demise of the most influenced fashion designers #SatyaPaul sir. His immense contribution in the fashion industry will be always remembered, My heartfelt condolences to @puneetnanda and the family. #OmShanti.”
Designer Masaba Gupta, with whom Satya Paul had collaborated with for a brief period, urged to educate fashion designing aspirants about Paul’s strategies and sensibilities. She took to her Instagram and wrote, “A true example of an actual BRAND, homegrown. Put in corporate hands at the right time and one with a signature that will stand the test of time. Fashion schools — Please introduce young Indian design aspirants to this brand in schools and various other homegrown brands. We can be inspired by the story of Chanel, etc., but we must learn what happened on our soil first.”
Actor-director Lakshmi Manchu tweeted, “He was one of my favourite saree designers. So fun and yet effortless. RIP Satya Paul ji. You filled our lives with your fabrics, colours and designs.”
Another maestro with an eye for detail may have left the world mourning, but the world will always remember him as the one who revamped and reinvented the Indian saree in a myriad of ways, keeping its tradition and culture alive.
