Ace fashion designer and activist Wendell Rodricks passed away in Goa yesterday night. The 59-year-old designer is said to have suffered a heart attack.
Rodricks' funeral will be held today at 4.30 pm, in his native village of Colvale, Goa.
Born to a Goan Catholic family, Rodricks grew up in Mumbai before heading to the foreign shores of Los Angeles and Paris to study fashion designing. Setting up his first designer store in the early 1990s, Rodricks was a pioneer in the still-nascent world of Indian fashion. He is credited with bringing back the traditional Goan attire of the kunbi sari into mainstream fashion.
FDCI is deeply disheartened with the sudden and untimely demise of one of the country’s iconic designer, Wendell Rodricks.
— FDCI (@fdciofficial) February 12, 2020
The fashion fraternity lost a legend today.
Wendell, we will miss you. pic.twitter.com/AFFUVu9UcD
Rodricks also conceptualized the now famous Lakme India Fashion Week in 2000. He also discovered and helped launch the modelling careers of many, including Deepika Padukone.
A prominent social activist, he was committed to protecting the environment and the rights of the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender) community. He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian government in 2014.
The demise of the fashion designer evoked shock and surprise from members of the fashion industry as well as Hindi cinema. Rodricks was a close friend and colleague to several actors, who he had known from their days on the modelling circuit.
Actors like Arjun Rampal, Malaika Arora, Waluscha D'Souza, Richa Chadha, were among the many who offered their condolences.
Genuinely sad to hear the news of Wendell Rodricks passing away. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/te0SHd0Doe
— Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) February 12, 2020
Gutted to hear about the untimely demise of @Wendellrodricks. Had only met him briefly but admired his advocacy of gay rights and his love for his home state, Goa. He was one of a kind! Rest in peace. Condolences to family ! 🙏🏽
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) February 12, 2020
Union minister, Smriti Z Irani, as well as Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, also offered their condolences. The chief minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, also condoled the demise of the state's famed resident.
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
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
Shocked by the news of @Wendellrodricks' passing: https://t.co/W3CDCwo1va An original, a man of courage & conviction, a fashion icon & a social activist -- perhaps Heaven needed all those qualities in one man. RIP.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 12, 2020