Indian saree pioneer Satya Paul dies at 78

In this 2009 file photo, models display creations by designer Satya Paul during the Kolkata Fashion Week II. Photo: AFP

Indian fashion designer Satya Paul, whose eponymous brand breathed life into the traditional saree, modernising the garment with funky prints, has died at 78, his family said.

Born on Feb 2,1942, he first made his mark in the world of fashion retail with the 1980 launch of L'Affaire, India's first saree boutique, before establishing his own label five years later.