Iconic fashion designer Satya Paul dies aged 79

It's an end to an era. India's iconic fashion designer Satya Paul has died at the age of 79. According to a statement released by his team, Paul died of natural causes at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

Paul is best known as the designer who reinvented the saree for contemporary women.

Sadhguru, Founder-Isha Foundation, shared in a tweet message."Satya Paul, a shining example of what it means to live with immeasurable passion and unrelenting involvement. The distinct vision you brought to the Indian fashion industry is a beautiful tribute to this. A privilege to have had you amongst us. Condolences & Blessings."

His son, Puneet Nanda, wrote on Facebook, “He couldn’t have had a sweeter life or passage, at the feet of the Master. We are sad a bit, mostly rejoicing him, his life and now his passing with such a blessing”. In his post, Nanda revealed that the legendary designer suffered a stroke on December 2 and had been ailing since then.

Satya Paul’s journey started from the hardships of Partition, learning from his own initiatives and always acknowledging the abundance and wonder of life.

His was a pioneer in the field of retail starting in the late 60’s and expanded his business to exports the finest Indian handloom products to high-end retail stores in Europe and America. In 1980, he launched the first ‘saree boutique’ in India, L’Affaire, and in 1986, India’s first designer label with his son Puneet.

The Satya Paul brand became one of the premier brands of the country. He passed on the mantle to his son in 2000, and they later exited the company in 2010.

"His business acumen was not in core ideas of finance or understanding of strategy, but of a passionate love for the arts and creation of beauty. He created fabrics just as he cooked; without a plan and always taking the path untrodden," said the statement issued by his team.

He called himself a 'seeker' and was known to be spiritually inclined. He attended talks with J Krishnamurty in the early 70’s. Later he chose to be initiated into neo-sanyas by Osho in 1976. He discovered Sadhguru in 2007 and intuitively threw himself into yoga. He joined his family and became a full-time resident of the Isha Yoga Center in 2015.