Wendell Rodricks death: Condolences pour in as fashion designer dies at his Goa home
Internationally-acclaimed fashion designer Wendell Rodricks died at his home in Colvale village in Goa on Wednesday evening at the age of 59.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Mapusa) Gajanan Prabhudesai said information about Mr Rodricks' death was received around 6.30 pm and a team was immediately sent to his residence.
He said Mr Rodricks died after collapsing at his residence, adding the cause of death is yet to be ascertained.
A Padma Shri award-winning designer, who is known for infusing modern aesthetics with traditional Goan influences, Mr Rodricks was also an author, environmentalist and a gay rights activist.
Born in Mumbai, Mr Rodricks studied fashion designing in the US and France from 1986 to 1988. He is often credited for pioneering the concept of "resort wear" when it was not a popular idea in India.
He worked on the planning of the first ever Lakme India Fashion Week and often showcased his collections at these fashion weeks.
In 2010, he revived the weaving of the traditional Goan Kunbi Sari and showcased the design at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week.
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane was among the first to tweet about Mr Rodricks' death.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of my very good friend and designer, Wendell Rodricks. His excellency in his work and skills are irreplaceable and shall always be cherished. We will truly miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his family & dear ones," he posted.
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 and heartbroken. Much too young to go like this. Just can’t believe it. #WendellRodricks
— Soni Razdan (@Soni_Razdan) February 12, 2020
Really sad to hear about the passing of Wendell Rodricks fashion designer activist , a son of Goa and a wonderful human being
— Ehsaan Noorani (@EhsaanNoorani) February 12, 2020
Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of my very good friend and designer, Wendell Rodricks. His excellency in his work & skills are irreplaceable & shall always be cherished.
— VishwajitRane (@visrane) February 12, 2020
We will truly miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his family & dear ones. pic.twitter.com/CzRnQJjbxf
Director Madhur Bhandarkar, in whose film "Fashion" Mr Rodricks had a role, said the designer's death came as a shock.
Designer Rahul Mishra called Mr Rodricks' death a "personal loss".
"He was always encouraging. When I first showcased in Gen Next, he gave me a standing ovation, very few people in the fashion industry support you the way he did. He always promoted young talent and had a great vision," Mr Mishra said.
-PTI
First published: 12 February 2020, 22:57 IST