Bollywood Celebs Mourn The Demise Of Padma Shri Designer Wendell Rodricks

Renowned Padma Shri awardee designer, Wendell Rodricks passed away on 12th February at his Goa residence. Reportedly the designer who was known for pioneering the idea of resort wear and for advocating eco-friendly fashion, died at his Colvale home due to a cardiac arrest.

The news was confirmed by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, he tweeted: “Deeply shocked & saddened by the sudden demise of world renowned fashion designer & a niz Goenkar Padma Shri Wendell Rodricks. His exemplary work has left an indelible mark in the world of fashion.”

Deeply shocked & saddened by the sudden demise of world renowned fashion designer & a niz Goenkar Padma Shri Wendell Rodricks. His exemplary work has left an indelible mark in the world of fashion.

— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) February 12, 2020

My heartfelt condolences to his family, may God comfort them in this hour of distress.

— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) February 12, 2020

Later The Fashion Design Council Of India took to Twitter to pay their tribute,
“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. pic.twitter.com/AFFUVu9UcD
— FDCI (@fdciofficial) February 12, 2020”

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. pic.twitter.com/AFFUVu9UcD

— FDCI (@fdciofficial) February 12, 2020

The celebrated designer was awarded with the Padma Shri in 2014 and he was also a recipient of Chevalier de I’Ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight of the order of arts and letters) in 2015. Born on 28 May 1960, in a Goan Catholic family, Rodricks was known for creating designs that brought together the traditional with the relaxed Goan vibe. He also promoted khadi in the world’s largest organic fair, BioFach 2011 in Germany. He was also the first Indian designer to be part of the world’s largest garment fair IGEDO 1995 in Germany. After over two decades in the fashion industry, Rodricks bided a goodbye to the runway by handing over his label, to his prodigy Schulen Fernandes in 2016.

Rodricks was also an advocate for queer rights and environmental issues in India. The designer later transformed his 450 years old ancestral home into the Moda Goa Museum and Research Centre, dedicating it to Goan costumes.

Bollywood actors took to social media to mourn the sudden demise of the fashion guru.

Arjun wrote, “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. #ripwendellrodricks”.

Malaika posted, “A master couturier and his muse ♥️….. RIP  our dearest @wendellrodricks …. I first sat n cried , n then I sat alone n smiled n laughed , jus thinkin of all the beautiful beautiful memories n moments we shared.”

View this post on Instagram

A master couturier and his muse ♥️….. RIP 🙏 our dearest @wendellrodricks …. I first sat n cried , n then I sat alone n smiled n laughed , jus thinkin of all the beautiful beautiful memories n moments we shared

A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial) on Feb 12, 2020 at 7:46am PST

Anushka wrote, “Woke up in NZ to the sad news of Wendell Rodricks having passed away in his sleep. He was one of the most iconic & original designers in fashion & A champion for LGBT rights. He had given me an opportunity to close his fashion week show in Mumbai after spotting me in Bangalore at a fashion show and was gracious, kind & encouraging. He was one of the reasons I had the courage to move to Mumbai from Bangalore to pursue modelling when I was just 18 years old.
RIP Wendell  My love and prayers for Jerome and the rest of his family and friends ”

View this post on Instagram

Woke up in NZ to the sad news of Wendell Rodricks having passed away in his sleep . He was one of the most iconic & original designers in fashion & A champion for LGBT rights . He had given me an opportunity to close his fashion week show in Mumbai after spotting me in Bangalore at a fashion show and was gracious, kind & encouraging. He was one of the reasons I had the courage to move to Mumbai from Bangalore to pursue modelling when I was just 18 years old . RIP Wendell 💜 My love and prayers for Jerome and the rest of his family and friends 🙏

A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma) on Feb 12, 2020 at 12:01pm PST

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

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

The designer is survived by his wife, Jerome Marrel, whom he married in 2002, at Paris. We at MovieTalkies offer our condolences to his family.