Designer Wendell Rodricks Dies at the Age of 59 Years in Goa
On his death, several celebrities, including Malaika Arora and Waluscha De Sousa, who closely worked with the designer, shared their fondest memories as their way to give him the parting tribute.
Celebrated fashion designer Wendell Rodricks died at his home ‘Colvale residence’ in Goa on Wednesday. Rodricks was famous for his designs but was also popular for his social causes. On his death, several celebrities, including Malaika Arora and Waluscha De Sousa, who closely worked with the designer, shared their fondest memories as their way to give him the parting tribute.
Malaika Arora wrote on her Instagram post, “I first sat and cried, and then I sat alone and smiled and laughed just thinking of all the beautiful, beautiful memories and moments we shared,” while Waluscha De Sousa tribute said, “I owe everything I am today to you,” followed by Arjun Rampal and Richa Chadha who also mourned the designer in heartfelt tweets.
Union Minister Smriti Irani tweeted, “Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Wendell Rodricks, one of India’s most renowned designers.”
The Fashion Design Council Of India also mourned the death of Wendell Rodricks in their official Twitter handle, writing, “FDCI is deeply disheartened with the sudden and untimely demise of one of the country’s iconic designer, Wendell Rodricks The fashion fraternity lost a legend today. Wendell, we will miss you.”
In the year 1989, Wendell Rodricks launched his own fashion brand. After 25 years he announced his retirement from his brand in the year 2016, which he then handed over to his long-time associate and partner Schulen Fernandes.
In the fashion world, Wendell Rodricks is best known for bringing forward the concept of resort wear to the limelight of mainstream fashion, thereby advocating eco-friendly fashion.
Wendell Rodricks has successfully worked in setting up of the Moda Goa Museum. The museum is dedicated to the history of Goan fashion artifacts and Goan costumes. In the year 2016, after his retirement, he and his love partner Jerome Marrel shifted to the smaller house in Goa’s Colvale to convert Wendell Rodricks' ancestral home into the museum.
Wendell Rodricks sported many hats. Apart from being a remarkable designer, he was also an author. He wrote about Goan fashion in his book Moda Goa: History And Style that was published in the year 2012. In the same year, Rodricks published his autobiography The Green Room. In the year 2017, he also authored Poskem: Goans In The Shadows.
Wendell Rodricks was popular for his association with social causes, including his activism for gay rights. In the year 2014, he was honoured with the Padma Shri and the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres in the year 2015.
Rodricks' association with the Bollywood was extended beyond stars endorsing his creations. He was featured in a cameo film ‘Boom’ in the year 2003 and also starred in the television play True West in 2002. He also made an appearance in Priyanka Chopra starrer film Fashion in 2008.