Well Known Fashion Designer Wendell Rodricks Dies

Panaji: Well known fashion designer, gay rights activist and Padma Shri awardee Wendell Rodricks died on Wednesday evening following a prolonged illness. He was 59.

Speaking to IANS on Wednesday Nilakanth Halarnkar, BJP MLA from the Thivim Assembly constituency and a longtime associate of the 60-year-old designer confirmed his death.

"Yes, it is true. He died at 5.45 p.m. today. He was ailing for a long time," Halarnkar said.

Family sources said that the funeral is scheduled for Thursday.

Soon after Rodricks' death Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant tweeted: "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".

Rodricks, one of the most popular fashion designers from Goa, was awarded a Padma Shri in 2014 and was also accorded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts Et Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2015. As a designer he has been credited with reviving the Kunbi saree, worm by the indigenous Kunbi tribal women of Goa.

He was in the process of setting up a museum "Moda Goa Museum and Research Centre" which Rodricks had dedicated to clothes and fashion in Goa through the ages.

As the news of his death came out in the public domain, Twitter flooded with condolences messages.

The Fashion Design Council Of India took to Twitter to pay their tribute: "DCI is deeply disheartened with the sudden and untimely demise of one of the country's iconic designer, Wendell Rodricks. The fashion fraternity lost a legend today. Wendell, we will miss you."

A user wrote, "Ace Fashion designer and Padma Shree Awardee @Wendellrodricks passes away at the age of 59. May his soul rest in peace! India lost a star today..."

Another wrote, "Saddened to hear the news of the passing away of #WendellRodricks. His love for #Goa, it's environment and it's people will not be forgotten."

"Deeply shocked to hear about the passing away of acclaimed fashion designer Wendell Rodricks. May his soul rest in peace. #WendellRodricks #RIP" read one post.

A user remarked, "This is terrible!! Pride of Goa and Maverick designer No More... Shocked beyond words.. RIP. Can't accept this."

(IANS)