Apparel March 2020 Apparel March 2020 issue | Page 75

FASHION SPEAK
“It was a huge sense of shock and disbelief
that I read about Wendell’s passing away. He
was an icon of the Fashion Industry, a true
legend, but above all, a beautiful person.
Caring, protective, and supportive of all those
who wanted to come up in life. I had known
him for over 30 years, and never once did I
not see that twinkle in his eyes. He and I had
a set exchange of greeting whenever we met
e
– which unfortunately was not more e than once
in a couple of years – I would say “Hi
Hi Wendell,
I love your clothes…”... To which he e would
reply “Hi Rahulbhai… you are too kind”. I shall
miss him.”
RAHUL
UL MEHTA
– Chief Mentor,
entor, CMAI
I first met Wendell at Glitterati, a small high-end niche
boutique that opened in 1988. We both launched our
labels around the same time. Wendell was a visionary.
He was brilliant and knew his craft well. Cutting was
his strength. He mastered the art of minimalism and
resort wear at a time when opulence and excess were
the order of the day. He broke into the market with a
beautiful collection based on ‘Tattoos’ which eventually
became a big hit.
Wendell and I were good friends and had mutual
respect for each other. When working together, there
were a lot of involved trials and tribulations but not
once did we fight or falter. We agreed to disagree
and learned to be great partners in crime. He always
fought for what he believed in and that set him apart
from his contemporaries. Wendell was more than
just a designer. He was a visionary. He was a stylist
par excellence. He styled exquisite campaigns even
before the term styling was coined and comprehended
in India. He followed geometric templates to achieve
shape, form, drape and design sans embellishments.
Most of all Wendell was a kind, gentle and loving soul.
His affable nature drew people to him. He shall remain
in our hearts and minds as fashion’s favourite friend.
SHAHAB DURAZI – HAUTE COUTURE
DESIGNER
@instagram
I knew Wendell Rodricks as Meher Castelino’s
friend. We would meet when I accompanied Meher
for various shows. He knew only about my work in
the field of ‘Revival of Antiquated Handloom and
Handcrafted Techniques’. Minal Khona, a dear friend
donated a saree designed by me and reintroduced
us. Recently he dropped in to see my exhibition in
Mumbai for 15 minutes but stayed on for almost
two hours. The sherwani he was wearing had a flat
weave, which I mentioned. So he asked me to design
one. I took up the challenge. That’s how we became
good friends. He loved the sherwani so much he
wore it as often as possible. I loved this generous,
gentle, man who not only knew how to take but to
give as well. You will be missed dearly not only by me
but by the whole nation. We are all proud of you.
BELAA SANGHVI
- SAREE REVIVALIST
he had achieved his construction. There were
many ti times when I tried to understand how the
garment was made and where the seams were
at his shows. His clothes were never drowned
in zardozi or thread work too. In fact, they were
timeless creations.
His ‘Craftworks’ show in December 2001
was the first display in the world that brought
the Green Room onto the ramp, where Wendell
dressed and accessorised the models in full view
of the audience at the Goa Marriott Resort. His ‘In
Mid Air’ 1999 collection had the models bungee
jumping instead of gliding on the ramp. Since
1989 I have written umpteen articles on Wendell’s
work and lifestyle. At times I have criticised his
collection and he knew I only wanted the best
from him. My close friendship with Wendell
resulted in trusting him completely. I knew that
whatever he did was with total dedication
and love.
I have enjoyed writing dozens of articles on
Wendell and his many activities but I never dreamt
I would have to write one such as this. This ode
has been written with a sad and heavy heart. Q
APPAREL
I
March 2020
I
73