Celebrated designer Wendell Rodricks no more

Celebrated Indian fashion designer Wendell Rodricks, known for minimalism in his fashion and for advocating eco-friendly fashion, passed away at his home in Goa on Wednesday. The designer breathed his last at his Colvale residence in Goa. According to reports, he suffered a heart attack. Rodricks was 59.

Confirming the news, Goa state minister Vishwajit Rane wrote on Twitter, "Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of my very good friend and designer, Wendell Rodricks. His excellency in his work and skills are irreplaceable and shall always be cherished. We will truly miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and dear ones."

As the news of his sudden demise spread, condolences started pouring in from various quarters.

Union Minister Women and Child Development and Handloom and Textile, Smriti Irani wrote on her Twitter handle, "Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Wendell Rodricks, one of India's most renowned designers."

"I first sat and cried, and then I sat alone and smiled and laughed just thinking of all the beautiful, beautiful memories and moments we shared," Malaika Arora wrote in an Instagram post.

Born on 28 May, 1960, Rodricks grew up in a Goan catholic family and studied in Mumbai. Apart from his work as a fashion designer, he was also known for being associated with several social causes, including LGBTQ rights. In 2014, Wendell Rodricks was honoured with the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards, and the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres in 2015.