This comprehensive biography details the life and career of Wendell Rodricks, a renowned Indian fashion designer, author, and social activist. His impact extended far beyond the runway, encompassing environmental advocacy and LGBTQ+ rights.
Wiki/Biography
Wendell Rodricks was born on Saturday, May 28, 1960, in Mumbai, India. His zodiac sign is Gemini. He completed his schooling at St. Michael High School, Mahim, Mumbai, followed by a degree in Hotel Management. A pivotal moment came when he used his savings from a post-graduation job with the Royal Oman Police Officers Club in Muscat (1982-1986) to pursue his true passion: fashion design.
His formal training in fashion design took him to London and Paris between 1986 and 1988. He further honed his skills through internships at prestigious institutions such as the National Museum of Costume and Fashion in Lisbon and the Fashion Institute of Technology’s museum in New York City.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’10”
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Wife
Born into a Goan Catholic family, his parents were Felix Roque Rodricks and Greta Rodricks. He married Jerome Marrel in a civil ceremony in Paris in 2002. Interestingly, he also served as the godfather to Arhaan Khan, son of Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora.
Career
As a Fashion Designer
Rodricks’ design career began with collaborations with prominent brands including Garden Vareli, Lakmé Cosmetics, and De Beers. In 1989, he launched his eponymous label, debuting at the Oberoi Hotel’s Regal Room. His initial collection, though limited by budget constraints (only six out of twelve ensembles were fully realized), earned him the moniker “Guru of Minimalism.”
He was a pioneer in India, introducing “resort wear” and “eco-friendly garments” in 1995, concepts then largely unheard of. His international recognition grew through invitations to prestigious fashion events such as IGEDO in Germany, Dubai Fashion Week, Malaysia Fashion Week, Paris Pret-a-Porter, and BioFach in Nuremberg. A significant contribution was his revival of the Goan Kunbi sari, which garnered praise from prominent figures like Sonia Gandhi, Sheila Dixit, and former President Pratibha Patil. In 2016, he retired from his label, handing it over to his student, Schulen Fernandes, to focus on the Moda Goa Museum and Research Centre.
As an Author
His writing career stemmed from a request by Mario Miranda to contribute a chapter on the traditional Goan outfit, Pano Bhaju. This led to extensive research, including language acquisition (Portuguese) and internships in Lisbon and New York. His research culminated in “Moda Goa: History and Style” (2012) and his autobiography, “The Green Room” (2012), followed by the fictional work “Poskem: Goans in the Shadows” (2017), illustrated by Miranda. He also contributed to various magazines, books, and anthologies, writing on travel, art, and Goan cuisine.
Other Works
Beyond fashion and writing, Rodricks made cameo appearances in films (“Boom,” “Fashion,” and television (“True West”). He and his husband resided in a historic 450-year-old house in Colvale, Goa (Casa Dona Maria), later downsizing to create the Moda Goa Museum and Research Centre.
He actively used his platform to voice his opinions on social and environmental issues, including writing columns for Goa Today and criticizing events like the India Resort Fashion Week for their environmental impact. In 2018, he co-founded a helpline for the LGBTQ+ community.
Awards & Honours
- Padma Shri (2014)
- Chevalier de l’Ordre National des Arts et Lettres (France, 2015)
- Honour from the All India Konkani Parishad
Controversy
Rodricks was not shy about expressing his opinions, which occasionally led to controversy. He was known for his outspoken critiques of celebrities’ fashion choices and accusations of plagiarism.
Address
158, Near Francisco Loui Louis Gommes Garden, Campal, Panjim, 403001, Goa, India
Death
Wendell Rodricks passed away on February 12, 2020, at age 59, in Goa. The exact cause of death remains unclear but is believed to be due to a prolonged illness.
Favourite Things
The table below lists some of Wendell Rodricks’ favorite things:
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Cuisines | Indian, French, Chinese, Ottoman |
| Food | Morning Glory Tempura with Prawn Dip, Pani Puri, Chorizo Chilli fry with egg, Roasted Chicken, Mushrooms |
| Beverage | Green Japanese tea with roasted rice flavor |
| Dessert | Orange cake with chocolate chips |
| Wine | Carton Charlemagne |
| Champagne | Krug and Crystal |
| Cafe | Cafe de Flore, Paris |
| Automobile Brands | Mahindra, BMW |
| Colors | Black and White |
| Musician | Ludwig van Beethoven |
| Books | “Through the Narrow Gate” by Karen Armstrong and “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Verghese |
| Sunglasses | Dior and Tom Ford |
| Travel Destination(s) | Mumbai, Istanbul, and Paris |
Facts/Trivia
- He enjoyed traveling, classical Western music, and photography.
- He served the former Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said, during his time at the ROP Officers Club.
- He was involved in the Khadi movement.
- He created a collection for plus-size women at Lakmé Fashion Week.
- He played a significant role in launching the careers of Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma.
- He actively campaigned against the demolition of a historic church in Colvale.
- He met his husband, Jerome Marrel, in Oman in 1983.
- He was an enthusiastic cook and shared his culinary creations on social media.
- He was an animal lover, owning two dogs and a cat.
- He was a skilled guitarist and singer.
- He shared a close bond with actress Rekha.
