JLB are the initials of John Latane Bissell, the Founder of the iconic Indian brand Fabindia, and the late father of siblings William and Monsoon Bissell who are the current co-shareholders of JLB Partners Holding, Inc.

A Connecticut native with old New England roots, John had the unusual circumstances of having “traces of India running through three generations” when he arrived in India in 1958. He came to India through a grant from the Ford Foundation to advise the Indian government Cottage Industries and the Handloom and Handicrafts Board on design and marketing skills for increasing the international market for the Indian handloom sector. After completing this two year assignment which brought him all over rural India and face to face with the vast diversity of weavers and crafts people, John returned to Connecticut in 1960 to raise funds to set up an export company which he named Fabindia, Inc. 

John was known for his natural, open personality, his smile, his informality, his adaptability, and his unwavering dedication to working with craftspeople across India. William Bissell writes, “Fabindia was founded out of the passion my father had for the incredible craft traditions of India. He believed that they needed a market so that the producers could make a decent living practicing their craft. [Over sixty] years later Fabindia is doing the same thing.” 

Fabindia is a pioneer in sourcing hand crafted products from all corners of India, investing in equitable relationships with the artisans of India, and successfully blending indigenous craft techniques with contemporary designs to provide its trademark aesthetic and affordable products to today’s consumers. 

Throughout its 60+ year history, Fabindia has remained committed to its original vision as described by John L. Bissell:

"In addition to making profits, our aims are constant development of new products, a fair, equitable and helpful relationship with our producers, and the maintenance of quality on which our reputation rests."