Wendell Rodricks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wendell Rodricks
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Rodricks at the launch of his book Poskem: Goans In The Shadows in Mumbai in 2017
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| Born | 28 May 1960 Bombay, Maharashtra, India
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| Died | 12 February 2020 (aged 59) Colvale, Goa, India
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| Nationality | Indian |
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| Partner(s) |
Jerome Marrel
(m. 2002) |
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Wendell Rodricks (born May 28, 1960 – died February 12, 2020) was a famous Indian fashion designer and author. He lived in the Indian state of Goa. Wendell was also a strong supporter of social causes, protecting the environment, and equal rights for all people. In 2014, the Government of India gave him a special award called the Padma Shri.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Wendell Rodricks was born on May 28, 1960, in Mumbai. His parents, Greta and Felix, were Goan Catholic. He was the oldest of four brothers. The family's last name was originally "Rodrigues" but changed to "Rodricks" because of a spelling mistake.
He grew up in Mahim and went to St. Michael's High School. After finishing school, he earned a diploma in catering. He even worked for the Royal Oman Police Officers Club for a short time. However, he soon decided to follow his passion for fashion design. He used his savings to study fashion in Los Angeles and Paris.
Fashion Career
Wendell Rodricks started his fashion career by designing for big brands like Garden Vareli and Lakmé Cosmetics. When he was in Paris, he was told to "put your country in your clothes." This advice inspired his unique style.
He launched his own fashion label in 1989. His first show in Mumbai featured twelve outfits. Wendell was the first Indian designer invited to IGEDO, the world's largest clothing fair, in 1995. He also opened the Dubai Fashion Week in 2001. In 2007, he was invited to show his designs at Paris Fashion Week.
Pioneering Styles and Traditions
Rodricks was known for creating "resort wear," which are light and comfortable clothes perfect for holidays. He also championed eco-friendly fashion, using materials and methods that are good for the planet.
In 2010, he helped bring back the traditional Goan sari called the kunbi. He encouraged famous people like Pratibha Patil and Sonia Gandhi to wear it. This helped increase its value and supported the weavers. He also promoted khadi, a hand-spun fabric, at a large organic fair in Germany. In 2017, he designed a collection for plus-size women, showing that fashion is for everyone.
Working with Celebrities
Wendell Rodricks dressed many famous people over the years. He designed the wedding gown for his close friend, actress Lisa Ray, in 2012. He also helped launch the careers of models who later became big stars.
He recommended Deepika Padukone for her role in the movie Om Shanti Om in 2007. He also helped Anushka Sharma start her modeling career in 2007 and encouraged her to move to Mumbai.
In 2016, he announced he would retire from his fashion label. He wanted to focus on his dream of opening a museum. He passed on his creative work to his student, Schulen Fernandes.
Other Creative Pursuits
Acting Roles
Wendell Rodricks made small appearances in a few films and TV shows. He was in the 2003 movie Boom. He also played himself in the 2008 film Fashion.
Writing Books
Wendell Rodricks also enjoyed writing. He wrote articles about travel, art, and Goan cuisine.
In 2012, he published his autobiography, The Green Room. An autobiography is a book about a person's own life. In 2017, he released Poskem: Goans in the Shadows. This book was a story about poskem, who were orphans taken in by wealthy Goan families and often worked as servants.
- Moda Goa: History and Style (2012) - About Goan fashion
- The Green Room (2012) - His autobiography
- Poskem: Goans in the Shadows (2017) - A fictional story
Moda Goa Museum
From 1993, Rodricks lived in a very old house in Colvale, Goa. In 2016, he and his partner moved to a smaller house. They wanted to turn the larger house into a museum called the "Moda Goa Museum and Research Centre." This museum was dedicated to the history of Goan fashion.
Wendell had been collecting items for the museum since 1998. He gathered over 800 exhibits. These included traditional Goan clothes and even a bathing suit worn by Reita Faria when she won Miss World in 1966. The museum was planned to open in March 2020.
Activism and Advocacy
Wendell Rodricks was a strong voice for important causes. He wrote a column in the magazine Goa Today, where he often talked about social issues and the environment. He spoke out against waste and pollution. He also protested against illegal mining in Goa.
He was a big supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2018, he helped start a helpline for LGBTQ+ people in Goa. He also supported the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, which is an annual film festival for the LGBTQ+ community. He even created an award for the best poster design at this festival.
In 2019, he spoke out against the demolition of a very old church in Colvale. He also tried to stop the cutting down of ancient mango trees for a highway.
Awards and Recognition
- Padma Shri in 2014 (a high civilian award from the Indian government)
- Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) in 2015 (an award from the French government for contributions to arts and literature)
- Rainbow Warrior Award in 2014 from the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival
Personal Life
Wendell Rodricks shared his life with his partner, Jerome Marrel. They made their relationship official in Paris in 2002. They met in Oman in 1983. Wendell often said that Jerome helped him become a successful fashion designer. They both loved to travel and visited many countries together.
After the 1993 Mumbai bombings, Wendell and Jerome moved to Wendell's ancestral village of Colvale in Goa. Wendell gave money to help improve the village. He also started a scholarship for top students in the village schools, in memory of his parents.
He was the godfather of Arhaan Khan, the son of filmmaker Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora. Wendell played a big part in Malaika Arora's career and remained close to her family.
Death
Wendell Rodricks passed away on February 12, 2020, at his home in Colvale, Goa. He was 59 years old. A close friend reported that he died due to heart failure during an afternoon nap. His funeral was held on February 13 at the St Francis of Assisi Church in Colvale.
Images for kids
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Rodricks at the launch of his book Poskem: Goans In The Shadows in Mumbai in 2017
