Wendell Rodricks was born on May 28, 1960. Little did anyone know, this boy would grow up to redefine Indian fashion — not with noise and glitter, but with grace and simplicity.

Wendell’s story was never about following the crowd. He wasn’t a man of convention. Long before India was even fluent in the language of global fashion, Wendell decided to listen to his heart. He studied fashion not in the crowded streets of Mumbai first, but later in Los Angeles and Paris, immersing himself in the fine art of design — understanding not just fabrics, but the very soul of clothing.

But what made Wendell truly special wasn’t just his impeccable cuts or his mastery over fabric flow — it was his belief that clothing should breathe, that fashion must be inclusive and eco-friendly, and that the Indian identity could be both traditional and globally modern. He championed resort wear in India long before the world had “minimalist chic” on its radar. His designs were about ease, elegance, and embracing the natural body — inspired heavily by the relaxed rhythm of Goan life.

But Wendell’s journey wasn’t confined to the ramp. His pen was as graceful as his sketches. He wrote columns, stories, and even a celebrated memoir, The Green Room, which unveiled the raw, real, and often humorous side of the fashion world.

And if you thought Wendell was only about hemlines and necklines, you’d be wrong. He was a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, long before it became mainstream in India. Proudly open about his identity, he paved a path for young designers and artists to walk freely, embracing both their creativity and their truth.

His heart, however, belonged to Goa. Not only did he return there, but he also worked tirelessly to preserve its heritage, even helping to convert a 450-year-old home into the Moda Goa Museum and Research Centre — India’s first costume museum.

Wendell Rodricks left the world on February 12, 2020, but the elegance he stitched into the fabric of Indian fashion remains. His designs, his words, and his activism wove a tale larger than life — one of courage, beauty, and an enduring love for simplicity.