India’s Leading Fashion Designers Pay Tribute To Wendell Rodricks

Fashion designer. Mentor. Author. Activist. Wendell Rodricks, 59, donned many hats, but the fashion industry will remember him for his individuality and unique presentation styles. The internationally acclaimed fashion designer passed away at his home in Goa today. India’s leading names in the fashion industry talk about how Rodricks changed the fashion landscape.

‘Ahead Of His Time’

I just feel sad, said Sabyasachi Mukherjee, noted fashion designer. “Growing up, he was an icon that I used to look up to,” he told BloombergQuint. “He was always ahead of his time with minimal and organic aesthetic. He brought his own individuality to Indian fashion and stayed true to it.”

“He was building a museum, and I hope everyone keeps his vision and dream alive,” Mukherjee said.

‘A Breath Of Fresh Air’

Wendell was a breath of fresh air, he understood and celebrated a woman’s body like no other, according to Anaita Shroff Adajania, leading stylist and fashion director for Vogue India magazine.

“I feel blessed to have worked with and known him for many years,” Adajania told BloombergQuint. “Goa and the fashion world have lost a true gem.”

‘Loss For Fashion Industry’

Today is a very sad day, said Nikhil Mehra, founder of Shantanu & Nikhil. “It’s a great loss for Indian fashion industry, a great loss for design and creativity.”

“He was always a front-runner, and was the first to showcase his beliefs with such clarity, and he empowered women through his clothes,” Mehra told BloombergQuint

‘A Caring Human Being’

Anita Dongre, chief creative officer of House of Anita Dongre, said that Rodricks was a great designer, warm, wonderful, caring human being and a good friend for over 35 years. “He will be missed dearly.”