About his collection
1990
PREMIER COLLECTION
The Regal Room, Hotel Oberoi Towers, Bombay.
Ivory silk tunics hand painted with Indian folk motifs and Miyake-inspired
white organza capes are worn with brilliant-hued ample trousers.
THE AFRICAN COLLECTION
Glitterati, Bombay.
Crepe saris and scarves are hand-painted with rich, gold, African shields and
contemporary African motifs. Trapeze line blouses and long flared skirts with
stoles form a new sliming silhouette for large sizes.
FESTIVE COLLECTION
The Presidency, Hotel President, Bombay.
Minis and wraps are treated to Eastern-style colour contrasts. An abundant use
of beaded tassels and gold, hand-painted matador fights inspired by Picasso
paintings on porcelain.
1991
THE SEA COLLECTION
Glitterati, Bombay.
Semi-sheer ensembles in airy chinon are acid dyed to resemble a corral reef.
Indian home-spun silk is embellished with ‘cubist’ sea-horses in
appliqué.
AN INSPIRATION FROM TIBETAN MONASTARIES
The Regal Room, Hotel Oberoi Towers, Bombay.
Rich monastic colours are complimented with modern treatments and luxury
detailing, creative accessories and simplistic, confident style lines. Poems on
reincarnation by the Dalai Lama are scripted in gold on the ensembles.
1992
RAJASTHANSCAPE
Glitterati, Bombay.
Sand coloured tussar, midnight crepe and dazzling white are used as a landscape
to enhance two-toned ring stoles and tie-dyed saris. Hand-painted motifs in
gold illustrate village women with pots and elongated equestrian shapes.
THE TURKISH HAREM
Glitterati, Bombay Oogan, Delhi. A collection inspired by the Ottoman Harem in
Istanbul. Sheer organza and flowing crepes are treated with line embroidery and
mosaic hand-painted sky-lines. Experimental pastel combinations include pink
with apricot, lime with chartreuse and aquamarine with lavender. The tunics and
stoles are ‘slit’ to enhance fluid movement. Introduction of a
menswear fine in raw silk, lightweight tussar and cotton linen. Motifs consist
of hand-painted Ottoman Calligraphy and embroidered Iznic tiles from the Harem.
1993
TEMPLES & TRIBAL SUMBOLS OF SHIVA / VISHNU WORSHIP
Glitterati, Bombay Ffolio, Bangalore Spiritual smearing in vermilion, Kumkum
red, orange and deep pink on tussar kurtas hand painted with temples of Shiva
and Vishnu. Handpainted motifs includes tribal symbols in gold, terracotta and
earth brown. Menswear in crisp linen and slub cotton. The collection
encompasses a palette of vanilla, white, leaf green, mustard, beige, salmon and
sky blue.
THE PRODIGALE COLLECTION
Glitterati, Bombay Ffolio, Bangalore,
A return to leaves. Pineapple, Banana, Wild Cotton, Viscose and Wheat are woven
with silk and sewn in palm-pleated effects. Inspired from leaves and the subtle
movement of trees, the collection is complimented with custom-made accessories
in coconut shell and rice straw.
1994
THE CYCLADIC ISLANDS
Ffolio, The Windsor Manor Ballroom, Bangalore.
A collection of garments inspired by the terracotta artifacts at the Cycladic
Museum, Athens, Greece. The ancient figurines, symbolic and primal in form, are
appliquéd in silk on fine cotton and linen. Couture innovations include
dhoti salwaars for men and terracotta “doves of Aphrodite”
ring-attachments on stoles. The colours range from Aegean Sea Blues to vibrant
terracotta hues.
THE LAMBADI TATTOOS
Glitterati, The Taj Hotel Ballroom, Bombay.
Extensive research on the rich tattoo tradition of the nomadic Lambadi tribes
is the basis of a collection in a range of skin tone silks, treated and
specially woven to resemble skin. The ‘tattoos’ are embroidered,
hand-painted and scorched on to the garments.
MELANGE PREMIER
Melange, Bombay.
An opening collection for India’s premier eco-oriented boutique. Classic
separates in natural tones emphasise the custom weaves and fabric finishes.
Innovative twin sets, simple tunics and asymmetric beachwear.
1995
CREAM
Mélange, Bombay.
Ffolio, Bangalore. Luscious fabrics in cotton are styled to fall in pure lines
and drape in a “molten” manner on the body. The entire collection
is “cream” in colour, texture, styling and silhouette.
‘CLOTHING THE SOUL’
IGEDO, Dusseldorf, Germany.
A collection of garments, displayed at the world’s largest ready-to-wear
fair, inspired by Indian thoughts on the soul, modern dance ballet and the
resort flavour of Goa. The garments in sand and sea tones won international
acclaim and firmly established the designer’s reputation of making an
international debut with modern Indian design appeal. The Wendell Roderick
FASHIONWISE column was introduced in India’s largest English selling
women’s bimonthly FEMINA.
1996
SHEER
Melange, Bombay.
Nautical lines, sheer layering and slimming silhouettes harmonise to create an
experiment in Indian sheer fabrics. Exquisite cut-work organza and satin in
white and subdued metallic tones are moulded in stark, simple silhouettes which
have become the Wendell Rodricks style signature.
1997
SUITE OF SEVEN CHOLI’S
Melange, Mumbai.
Using the basic Indian “choli” blouse, a collection of seven cholis
explore varied dressing options. The cholis are titled ‘Line &
square’, ‘Cowl’, ‘Kaftan’, ‘Peacock’,
‘Dhobi bundle’, ‘Dupatta’ and ‘Mala’.
WHITE VISION
Melange, Mumbai.
Textures, weaves, fabric and embroidered surfaces create a vision in pure
white. Simple cottons, elegant linens and exotic silks blend to create the
designer’s favoured colour.
ENSEMBLES
Ensemble, Mumbai
A collection of ensembles for Ensemble, India’s premier fashion store.
White, black and grey create a lean long line. Titled ‘Minimal, Movement
and Geometry, the garments are cut on a long geometric line resulting in drapes
typical of Indian garments. Tunics hit the floor and pleated fabric spirals in
wrapped styles.
WENDELL RODRICKS COUTURE SHOW
Kala Academy, Panaji, Goa.
The first solo showing by the designer done in couture style. Eighty garments
reflect the personal style, decade long career and culture of Goa. Innovative
fabrics include leather, net and woven cotton tweed. The garments are
embellished with materials to resemble dew drops, rain, stars, exotic insects
and petals.
1998
TWELVE TUNICS
Shoppers’ Stop, Mumbai.
Ogaan, Delhi.
Ogaan , Calcutta .
Using the tunic shape as a platform of inspiration, twelve avante garde
garments in white, black, caramel and sea blue constitute the Wendell Rodricks
Trunk Collection for Shoppers’ Stop, Mumbai. The twelve Tunics collection
was also presented at the Derby in Calcutta as part of a fashion show.
PORTFOLIO
Ffolio , Bangalore.
At an exclusive fashion presentation in Bangalore, Wendell Rodricks introduced
a portfolio collection of his renowned styles blended with recent creations. In
shell pink, white and gold, the collection was a major success in India's
Garden City. The wonder fibre TENCEL was introduced for the first time by
designer for retail in India.
THE SPICE COLLECTION
The Fashion Bistro & Bar, Mumbai
A pioneering event in Indian fashion. Cosmetic giant, LAKME commission a range
of garments inspired by their new seasons colours.
Wendell Rodricks creates a selection of fourteen garments in Hot Paprika,
Ginger Spice, Toasted Cinnamon, Burnt Cardamom, Tangy Tamarind and Too Chilli.
The slicky choreographed show by the designer earned much praise and publicity
for an unusual blend of cosmetic colours and fashion.
EMBRYO
The womb of creativity Wendell Rodricks Couture Show
Solar dos Colacos - Goa.
A hippie trail leading out of Goa to embrace the tribes of the world. The
designer unveiled his collection at a surprise party that moved venues from a
cruise boat to a Portuguese heritage home on the Mandovi River. Forty garments
inspired by world tribes were put togethered in an Indian spirit. Departing
from his signature style, the designer experimented with new age fabrics and a
“look” oriented line ideal for the new millennium. Indo –
West gives way to “Indo – International”.
1999
CUTTING ON SQUARES
The Holiday Inn, Allure, Ahmedabad.
Using Indian geometry and the basic square shape, the Wendell Rodricks
Spring/Summer ’99 collection in cotton & linen extends the designers
concept that flat shapes can drape on the human form. Pure white, paperfeel
cotton, soft ivory viscose, a range of pastels and citrus brights colour the
collection. A line of shoulder twists in fine cotton mul are introduced. The
collection was later retailed at Goa , Mumbai , Delhi and Bangalore .
IN MID AIR
Gravity Zone, Anjuna, Goa.
At South East Asia’s premier bungee jumping site, Wendell Rodricks
presented a sensational colour palette of bright, textured and pleated fabrics,
to present a new look for the millennium. All forty garments had a distinct new
innovation in couture and were presented in COUTURE style on ramp and with
models jumping off the tower. The bride in a trailing chiffon ensemble aptly
titled “Apsara” flow off the bungee tower to the delight of the
audience.
2000
MOVEMENTS
McDowell Derby, Mumbai
Opening the most fashionable Derby event of the year, Wendell Rodricks designed
a collection based on the equestrian movements of models on ramp. Using a
patchwork of fabrics in cream and beige, the collection displayed a variety of
hemlines and silhouettes where movement of both fabric and wearer are of prime
importance.
INDIA FASHION WEEK
Taj Palance, New Delhi
Wendell Rodricks is commissioned by cosmetic giant Lakme to close the finale of
the first ever Indian Fashion Week. Using a multitude of silhouettes and
fabrics the white, skintone and black ensembles create a historic style
statement.
ACE OF DIAMONDS
Ford Supermodel Contest, Mumbai.
The Ace of Diamonds collection explores the bias cut from fabric patterns that
are cut in diamond shapes. Four varieties of silk, hand dyed in petral blue,
garnet, aubergine wine and slate grey were worn by supermodels and filmstars at
a glittering evening where Wendell Rodricks was Official Designer for the most
prestigious model search contest in the country.
2001
WHITE LIGHT
Dubai Fashion Week, Wafi Pyramids, Dubai.
Wendell Rodricks was invited to open the first ever Dubai Fashion Week. At a
gala show sponsored by shampoo giant Silvikrin, Wendell Rodricks presented
twenty five white ensembles inspired by Goa. Using fluid crepe, sensuous satin
and flowing crepe, the Wendell Rodricks White Light collection worn by
international models was a grand success in the oil rich emirate.
VISIONNAIRE
Ensemble, Mumbai.
Wendell Rodricks VISIONNAIRE, inspired by the visually challenged is a
remarkable attempt to further the role of fashion in areas of social influence.
Braille embroidery, varied textures and a fashion philosophy based on how one
feels rather than how one looks makes Visionnaire a unique fashion statement.
The collection was widely reported in the international media as it was the
first time ever that the blind could ‘read’ their clothes and enjoy
the liberty of dressing on their own.
CRAFTWORKS: THE WENDELL RODRICKS EXPERIMENT
Goa Marriott Resort, Goa.
A pioneering event in Indian fashion and possibly for the first time in the
world Wendell Rodricks experiment gave the audience a peek at the
behind-the-scenes happenings of a show. The designer cut and draped garments on
models on stage with his entire studio on ramp. Make up and hair was done in
front of an enthralled audience. Drawing inspiration from various aspects of
Goa, the designer created each exclusive outfit in couture style.
2002
TATA TENNIS OPEN COLLECTION
The Taj Corommandel, Chennai
Westside displays the Wendell Rodricks Summer 2002 pret collection at the
internation Tata Tennis Open. The collection included textured cottons in white
with a refreshing tint of lemon. Design details included curved seams,
handpainted shlokas, fringing and layering.
GLADRAGS
Megamodel Manhunt Contest.
The Grand Maratha, Mumbai. This contest which is a scouting ground for new
models commissioned Wendell Rodricks to design the finale round gowns in bright
sorbet colours.
GOA
Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
The chic Parisian suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt invited Wendell Rodricks to
showcase forty ensembles for their Festival of India in France. Inspired by the
resort state of Goa, the collection was retrospective in part but also showed a
line of fascinating marine-inspired pleating. Using a palette of minimal white,
beige, blue and black, the designer infused rich Hindu colours like red, orange
and fuschia into this striking spiritual collection.
RIAS MALAYSIAN FASHION WEEK
Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel, Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia.
A retrospective of Wendell Rodricks creations are displayed at Sunway Lagoon
Resort Hotel in Malaysia. Invited by the RIAS team among from other
international designers, the Wendell Rodricks collection was a resounding
success due to it’s originality of approach from an Indian designer.
2003
WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY SHOW
Hotel President, Mumbai.
To support the Cancer Aid Society and World No Tobacco Day, a special showing
of four designer collections on celebrities was unveiled before the WHO
authorities and the Minister of Health, India. The Wendell Rodricks collection
in white, black, turquoise and lycra ensembles combined flying panels, slashed
gladiator menswear and evening gowns, one of which appeared on the cover of
ELLE on VJ actress Malaika Arora.
WATER SPRAY FOR LAKME
Lakme India Fashion Week, NCPA, Mumbai.
The first designer to be repeated for the Grand Finale at India Fashion Week,
Wendell Rodricks drew standing ovation applause for a collection inspired by
water. From the opening ‘aquarium’ water filled corset to the 95
metre cloud net skirt, the Rodricks creativity moved from a subtle palette of
cool blue, ice pink and dazzling white. A memorable collection of thirty one
ensembles, each in a unique style.
2004
FASHION DEMOCRACY LIFW 2004
The Grand, Delhi.
The “Fashion Democracy” collection at Lakme India Fashion Week
featured a fun filled 60’s musical track, 51 “models”
included children, teenagers, elders and grandparents…… of
various shapes and sizes. VJ and actress Mallaika Arora Khan sizzled on the
ramp for the finale. On stage was a Goan carnival of colour with silhouettes
for the slim, fat and short. A much applauded collection which proved that
fashion is democratic and for everyone.
2005
RIPPLE COLLECTION
Seagrams Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2005,
Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Delhi & Hyderabad.
In the world mourning the Tsunami, the colour code was earth mixed with hints
of sky, sea and blood red. The clothes in crinkled fabrics treated to soft wave
lines and teamed with luscious gleaming satins or sheer organzas. Not single
sequin or bead, the collection is of colour, cut and style in the purest
minimalist form.
OCEANIA COLLECTION
LIFW 2005, The Grand, Delhi.
Wendell Rodricks OCEANIA collection arrives from the islands in the Indian and
Pacific Ocean. Documenting the tribal sea art of the islanders, the collection
is a new statement from India’s Guru of Minimalism. Indian tribes who
traveled the ancient sea routes, settle on islands as far flung as Easter
Island and Papua New Guinea, return to India on the LIFW 2005 ramp in a
silhouette that is a blend of structure, sculpture and sensuous fluidity.
Sportswear staples blend with sublime silks. Edgy denimwear meet couture cuts.
Layers play a strong part in mixing an Indian tunic with a Western jacket over
an island sarong and jersey trousers. The garments are blended by the minds of
the islanders. Ancient with modern. Indian with International.
2006
THE BLACK, WHITE & SKIN COLLECTION
Water Edge, Colombo
From the white sands and black laterite rocks of Goa’s celebrated
beaches, the Wendell Rodricks collection, compiled specially for the Rotary
Club of Colombo East, Colombo. Cutting on a fluid line that is the signature
style of the designer, the Black, White and Skin Collection is a style
statement from one of the most reclusive design studios in India.
ISADORA IN INDIA LFW
Spring Summer 2006, NCPA, Mumbai.
Born 1877 in San Francisco, Isadora Duncan broke the stereotype of classical
dance. She was a free spirit that pioneered a dance movement away from the
confines of the Russian ballet. Dancing bare feet, hair flying free and
scantily dressed in Greek costumes, Isadora danced using the solar plexus and
torso as a generating force. Her celebrated simplicity was oceanic in depth and
she is credited with inventing what we call today Modern Dance. Isadora died as
dramatically as she lived on September 14, 1927. Her long trailing scarf caught
in the spokes of her new Bugatti strangled her.
In an imaginary visit to India, Wendell Rodricks creates a collection inspired
by Isadora Duncan. In a suite of four tributes : The Purist, Summer Fresh,
Nature’s Child and Celebration, Wendell Rodricks draws parallels between
the minimalist approach of his repertoire and the spirit of Isadora
Duncan………. in India !
THE CRUISE COLLECTION
CASTLE INDIA MENS FASHION FAIR 2006
Bangalore Palace, Bangalore
In the Cruise Collection, the designer uses sheer layers for men, fringe
detailing and no embellishment. In a medley of fine linens, cool cottons, lush
silks and light wool crepe, this is fabric and cut in its purest form.
LES VAMPS
Lakme Fashion Week Spring Summer 2007
NCPA, Mumbai.
The Wendell Rodricks Spring Summer 2007 collection for Lakme Fashion Week goes
beyond the veils of dark secrets to disclose an ethereal, mysterious
collection. Like the spirits and exorcists who are almost always beautiful
women, the clothes in vapourous white, midnight black, dusk gray and blood red
are a tribute to Goa’s other world. Emerging from dark Goan manoirs,
swooping on bat wings, gliding over fields and floating on sea waves, these are
what the Western world would call Vampires. ‘Les Vamps’ is about
beauty, mystery, secrets, fear and above all fashion; for the woman of today
who can take on many emotions : switching from coy innocence to fierce vamp
with equal ease. Like the haunting beauty of Goa’s ghosts, spirits and
‘vampires’.
2007
GEOMETRIC DRAPERY
EURO INDIA 2020,
FASHION SHOW Taj Exotica, Benaulim-Goa.
The Euro India conference at Taj Exotica invited Wendell Rodricks to display
his collection at a special showing for 250 select guests. The sixty garment
collection was displayed on India’s best by super models the Wendell
Rodricks Geometric Drapery collection was chosen for it’s international
appeal that was much applauded by the European and Indian presence at the
conference. Using a Goan palette of pristine white surf, grey monsoon sky,
volcanic black, azure blues, sand and nude tones.
EMPRESS
LFW FALL/WINTER 2007-2008, NCPA, Mumbai.
In a collection of four layered personae: Virgin, Mistress, Empress and Saint,
Wendell Rodricks celebrates the unique and sensational life of the Empress
Theodora (c 500 – 548 AD) who was virgin, whore, mistress and eventually
Saint in the Orthodox Church, celebrated each year on November 14th. In a
colour palette as varied as Theodora’s many facets, the Empress
collection moves from Ivory to bright Scarlet, Gold, rich Purple and or silk,
the clothes are a tribute to the Empress Theodora’s humble deep Black. In
his trademark style, Wendell Rodricks uses a minimal approach to cut clothes
that are both creative and practical. Layering chiffons and organza’s
under heavy coarse cotton or silk, the clothes are a tribute to the Empress
Theodora’s humble beginnings and glittering courtly splendour.