On the eve of India’s 65th Republic Day, veteran designer Wendell Rodricks was named among the prestigious list of recipients for the fourth highest civilian honors in the country, the Padma Shri award, for his outstanding contribution to fashion design.“I’ve been on cloud nine since I heard about this award. Thanks to this recognition, I will serve my home state of Goa and India with greater enthusiasm. I’m sure the fashion fraternity is happy with this recognition for one of its own and will have a domino effect and many more awards will follow for the industry, and galvanize the plans. There is much to be done to take Indian fashion to its rightful place on the world stage,” said Wendell.
A veteran of over 20 years, Rodricks has not only revolutionized the Indian fashion landscape with his minimalist resort wear but also taken it to foreign shores. Hailed as the master of minimalism in India, he is renowned for his Zen simplicity, impeccably cut fabrics and beautifully stark silhouettes. Inspired by his Goan heritage, his designs have found many enthusiasts over the years, including the likes of Sonia Gandhi, Angelina Jolie, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Meg Ryan.
