Celebrated fashion designer and Padma Shree awardee ‘Wendell Rodricks’ passed away on Wednesday at his home in Goa. he was at his Colvale residence in Goa at the time of his death.
Rodricks, a giant in the field of Indian fashion also well known for his contribution towards several social causes and even shared a good bond with famous Bollywood celebrities. He was also an author, environmentalist and gay rights activist. He was also awarded by Padma Shri in 2014. Rodricks was involved in planning the first ever Lakme India Fashion Week in 2000 and guiding it in its formative years.
Wendell Rodricks, the pioneer of resort wear, was a favourite among the Bollywood celebrities for his designs reportedly suffered a heart attack. The exact cause of death isn’t known yet. Since the news of ultimate death broke, the fans and friends from the fraternity. Many celebrities like Waluscha De Sousa, ArjunRampal, Neha Dhupia, Madhur Bhandarkar, Malaika Arora and many more offered heartfelt condolences on twitter.
I owe everything I am today to u.U discovered me at the age of 16 in my uniform & u never let go of my hand after that.U will forever be remembered my friend & mentor.We have beautiful memories together & they will live on.I pray that ur soul rests in peace. @Wendellrodricks #rip pic.twitter.com/Lzcnsoq2yb
— Waluscha De Sousa (@Iamwaluscha) February 12, 2020
This is such sad sad news, a beautiful human and such a talented designer, the fashion industry and the world has lost today. It was such joy whenever I met him. His smile always made me smile,you will be missed Wendell. Condolences and prayers for all ur loved ones #ripwendell pic.twitter.com/Y19IdrzFJt
— arjun rampal (@rampalarjun) February 12, 2020
Wendell , I may have not know you well enough but all I know is that every time I saw you , you would always be smiling and your smile would light up the entire room… wherever you are may the angels always be with you ❤️ #gonetoosoon #RIPWendellRodricks pic.twitter.com/1gHzOnjyxC
— Neha Dhupia (@NehaDhupia) February 12, 2020
Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of fashion designer, Wendell Rodricks,
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) February 12, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to his family & dear ones. We will truly miss him. RIP ? pic.twitter.com/1aEAbMzyMS
Union minister Smriti Irani also tweeted about Wendell Rodricks’ sudden demise and offered her condolences. Many Bollywood celebs have been sending heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Wendell Rodricks, one of India’s most renowned designers. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace ?
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) February 12, 2020
Wendell Rodricks On Why He Loves Designing For Women!
At the session, he spoke on the topic “ Size No bar” and his points are really thought-provoking. He said “ strong women should focus on their style and not on the trend”. His words inspire many women and spread positively all over the auditorium. He reminded me that, “ size and age doesn’t matter. The only size that matters is the size of your compassion, wisdom and generosity. Wear what suits your style, don’t go blindly to buy trends.”
He also said that, “ the women in his team, who take a break for pregnancy, marriage or any other situation are welcome anytime to join and work.” it doesn’t matter if you are married or mother, you still have kala. He said “ women are multi-handed goddesses who have the power to do multiple work and balance everything in every situation.
Wendell Rodricks revived the traditional goan attire of the ‘kunbi saree’ in 2010. He convinced many social influencers like Pratibha Patil, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to be its patrons, thus increasing the cost from Rs 700 to Rs 7000, for the benefits of the weavers. In 2014, he paid tribute to actress Rekha at the WIFW(Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week) on the occasion of her 60th birthday. In 2017 he presented a collection for plus-size women at the Lakme Fashion week 2017. He even helped Deepika Padukone, who had been modelling with him for 2 years and grabbed her a role in ‘Om Shanti Om’ by introducing her to Malaika Arora and Farah Khan. He also helped Anushka Sharma by launching her as a model at the Lakme Fashion week and encouraged her to move to Mumbai.