Renowned designer Satya Paul breathed his last on January 6, 2021 at the age of 79 in Coimbatore, India. He had suffered a stroke in December 2020. With no formal design training, he launched his first sari boutique, L’Affaire, in 1980. His bold and contemporary designer sarees were worn by Indian celebrities such as Aishwarya Rai, Mandira Bedi, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Vidya Balan.
In a Facebook post, while confirming Paul’s death in Coimbatore at the age of 79, his son Puneet Nanda wrote: “Most people are not aware, more than as a designer or entrepreneur, he has been steadfastly a seeker. In the 70’s his inner journey started with going to listen to talks with J. Krishnamurty, later he took sannyas 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 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.”
Talking to LiveMint, Sunil Sethi, president of the Fashion Design Council of India, said, “Owning a Satya Paul sari was the thing back then. It was the only designer brand selling sari at the time.” Over the years, Paul was instrumental in bringing luxury brands from Jimmy Choo and Coach to Emporio Armani and Tumi to India.
In her tribute to Paul, designer Masaba Gupta, who was appointed the Satya Paul fashion director in 2012, wrote in an Instagram post: “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.” On Paul’s demise, Jaggi Vasudev said that the fashion designer was “a shining example” of someone living with “immeasurable passion and unrelenting involvement.” “The distinct vision you brought to the Indian fashion industry is a beautiful tribute to this,” he wrote. “A privilege to have had you amongst us. Condolences & Blessings,” he added.
