Wendell Rodricks, a well-known fashion designer died at his home in Goa on 12th February, Wednesday. At the time of his death, Rodricks was at his Colvale residence in Goa. The cause of death is still unknown.
Wendell Rodricks is known for his immaculate fashion collections and draping some of the very well known Bollywood and other Indian celebrities. In 1989, he launched his own fashion brand in his name and in 2016, he announced his retirement from his brand and then handed over to his long-time associate Schulen Fernandes. In the world of fashion, Rodricks is well known for bringing out the concept of resort wear in fashion and he also advocated eco-friendly fashion.
He was working towards setting up the Moda Goa Museum, which was dedicated to the history of the Goan costumes and artefacts of the Goan fashion. In the year 2016, Rodricks left his house and shifted to a small house with his husband and converted his original home in the museum.
On the news of Wendell Rodricks, many celebrities and personalities who were associated with him showed condolence and also shared his fondest memories. Malaika Arora, who closely worked with him wrote on her Instagram and said, “I first sat cried, and then I sat alone and smiled and laughed just thinking of all the beautiful memories and memories and moments we shared,” Arjun Rampal and Richa Chaddha also mourned on his death in their tweets:
Union Minister Smriti Irani tweeted: Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Wendell Rodricks, one of India’s most renowned designers.” FDCI, The Fashion Design Council Of India tweeted: “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.” There are so many other people from the fashion fraternity mourned Designer and showed their love and what the fashion Industry has lost.
Rodricks was also an author apart from being a designer. He has written several books like Moda Goa: History And Style, in 2012 which is based on Goan Fashion. And in the same year, he published his autobiography The Green Room.
He was also associated with social causes including activism for gay rights. In the years 2014 and 2015, Padma Shri and the chevalier de I’Ordre de Lettres in 2015. In 2003, he was featured in the film Boom and also starred in television play True West in 2002. He also made his appearance in the film Fashion in the year 2008.