The Goan touch Wendell Rodricks abhors the idea of leaving Goa to cater for the clubbing type. Shruti Pathak tries to understand the designer’s mindset
Tucked away in a far off village in Goa, designer Wendell Rodricks lives life on his terms. No random interviews, or Page 3 parties are needed to draw attention to his designs. Far removed from the complexities of city life, there is something rustic about his personality that make him appear even more fashionable. He can just about play up with white and turn it into a hot favourite for every occasion. His latest collection showcased at the Kolkata Fashion Week, titled the Mondarin Minimalist, brought out the other side to him. Being an art patron, he has beautifully mixed art with fashion, paying homage to the life of Yves Saint Laurent and the art of Piet Mondrian. And has once again proved that clothing created in a rural Goan setting can transcend into urban prêt wearability. The Statesman caught up with him and this is what he had to say. You are considered to be very reserved and calm ~ without an iota of attitude. Are your designs an extension of your personality? A designer’s attitude need not reflect in the clothes. But yes, I am calm and stress free as are my clothes. First Duncans dance philosophy, then Pieter Cornelis Mondrian’s art. Does inspiration form a large part of your designs? My designs are often based on a emotional inspiration whether it was the Byzantine Empress Theodora or a collection as abstract as the Dalai Lamam and reincarnation. Your latest collection is a tribute to Yves Saint Laurent, designs of whom are extremely European. Will it fit in with the taste here? If you look carefully at the collection all the so-called dresses can be worn with trousers or salwars. There are, in fact, many tunic sets and two saris as well. There were also kurtas, dhotis and lungis for men. We have sold this concept of Mondrian quite well. I am sure the range at Westside will be a success. Your fixation with basic colours like white and black has always added a classic touch to your designs. But isn’t there an urge to explore and just add vibrancy to your designs. Something chic that people can wear while clubbing? Mondrian has bright red, blue and yellow. But to reply to your question, I don’t like clubbing and don’t do club clothes. My clients are more elegant and will not get the clothes soiled with beverages and nightclub smoke. Considering the fact that your collection is retailed at Westside stores, does that help reach the masses, who are apprehensive about designer stores and the price factor? People are unaware how reasonable the clothes are. When I tell them they can buy a garment for Rs 1,700, they are shocked. At Westside we will give designer value for money. At a time when all mainstream designers are going the Bollywood way, what is holding Wendell Rodricks back? I have friends in Bollywood but the thought of leaving Goa for a smoggy city and spend months inside hot studios, airless caravans and terrible traffic is not my idea of creative expression. If I get a good script that demands my kind of clothes I will do a movie but on my terms. I was trained in Hollywood to deliver the wardrobe at one go with proper sketches and fittings. What next? What’s keeping you busy? I have started working on my next collection to be showcased at LFW. For the moment all I can say is that it is in two parts: one for Westside and the other my own line. I am also planning a Chivas collection and working on a book project. http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=19&theme=&usrsess=1&id=255050
