RIP! Famed Fashion Designer Wendell Rodricks Passes Away in Goa At the Age Of 59

In 2014, the Government of India conferred upon him its fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri.

Goa: In a shocking development, activist and popular fashion designer Wendell Rodricks died at his home in Goa on Wednesday evening, following a prolonged illness. The award-winning fashion designer’s death was confirmed by one of his family members.

Nilakanth Halarnkar, BJP MLA from the Thivim Assembly constituency and a longtime associate of the designer also confirmed his death and said, “Yes, it is true. He died at 5.45 p.m. today. He was ailing for a long time.”

Born on May 28, 1960, Rodricks was considered a pioneer in the world of Indian fashion. Not just a designer, Rodricks was also an author, environmentalist, and a vocal advocate for gay rights. In 2014, the Government of India conferred upon him its fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri.

He 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. Apart from these, he had also made small cameo appearances in the 2003 film Boom, 2008 film Fashion and in the television play True West in 2002.

Many on social media, including politicians as well as members of fashion and showbiz world, have expressed shock at his death and paid their condolences.

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.

— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) February 12, 2020

Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of fashion designer, Wendell Rodricks,
My heartfelt condolences to his family & dear ones. We will truly miss him. RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/1aEAbMzyMS

— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) February 12, 2020

Losing one of the finest designers and human beings of our industry @Wendellrodricks is extremely painful. #rip #wendell. Your legacy will be remembered by all Of #Goa and the entire fashion fraternity..from our entire family god bless. @ANI @timesofindia @FeminaIndia @VOGUEIndia pic.twitter.com/9iuycS0kMY

— Shaina NC (@ShainaNC) February 12, 2020

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

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.

We will truly miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his family & dear ones. pic.twitter.com/CzRnQJjbxf

— VishwajitRane (@visrane) February 12, 2020

Absolutely shocked and heartbroken to hear about my friend @Wendellrodricks sudden demise . Sad that this happens when he was about to open his dream project …. the museum of costumes in Goa . Loving and warm .. will always cherish the week I spend with him this nov in Goa . pic.twitter.com/vZgyqiIOyJ

— Onir (@IamOnir) February 12, 2020

NO. @Wendellrodricks
Trying to call you. Pick up.

— SONA (@sonamohapatra) February 12, 2020

What!!!! OMG!!!! This is just shocking and so so sad 😢😢
RIP @Wendellrodricks https://t.co/xsBoLbCoAI

— Shruti Seth (@SethShruti) February 12, 2020

Just heard about the passing away of fashion designer Wendell Rodricks. Terrible news. pic.twitter.com/KmulIvRsJh

— Sonal Kalra (@sonalkalra) February 12, 2020

FDCI 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. pic.twitter.com/AFFUVu9UcD

— FDCI (@fdciofficial) February 12, 2020

I owe everything I am today to u.U discovered me at the age of 16 in my uniform & u never let go of my hand after that.U will forever be remembered my friend & mentor.We have beautiful memories together & they will live on.I pray that ur soul rests in peace. @Wendellrodricks #rip pic.twitter.com/Lzcnsoq2yb

— Waluscha De Sousa (@Iamwaluscha) February 12, 2020

Top class designer, proud Goenkar, multi talented creative mind but above all else a wonderful human being and friend, Wendell Rodricks has passed away. RIP

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 12, 2020

The designer 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.

”Final plastering at work,” wrote Rodricks on his Instagram account three days ago.

View this post on Instagram

@modagoamuseum final plastering at work

A post shared by Wendell Rodricks (@wendellrodricks) on Feb 9, 2020 at 5:01am PST

Family sources said that the funeral is scheduled for Thursday. May his soul rest in peace!