Rainbow Catholics India (RCI), commemorating Wendell Rodricks’ first death anniversary, pays homage to an iconic fashion designer who worked extensively for gay rights.
All of us at Rainbow Catholics India pay homage with fond remembrance for our dear friend and colleague Wendell Rodricks who passed away a year ago today. We also hold his beloved husband Jerome Marrel in our prayers. The world lost a unique fashion designer, Goa lost its most beloved and devoted custodian of its cultural heritage and RCI lost its friend and supporter.
Born into a modest Goan Catholic family living in Mumbai, Wendell was a self-made man passionate about Indian fabrics and known for pioneering the idea of resort wear and showcasing through his designs the aesthetics and philosophies of India.The Government of India in 2014 awarded Wendell the Padma Shri - the fourth highest civilian honor.
There was so much more that Wendell wanted to do in his life but nonetheless his iconic design legacy carries on with his creative work through Schulen Fernandes’ designs and Jerome’s directorship. His passion for Goa will be there with his most beloved project -- the Moda Museum -- that he was working on at the time of his death. The museum was to highlight indigenous cultural heritage through a collection of artefacts dating from the 7th century AD to the present.
Wendell was also vociferous in working for equality rights in the belief that discrimination towards the LGBT community was a violation of human rights – at a time before Section 377 was struck down.
Wendell died at his home in Goa Feb. 12, 2020. He was 59.
Rest in Peace dear Wendell.
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