Wendell Rodricks – World's famous designer interacts with Chitkara University design students

Wendell Rodricks is one of the world's most admired names in the fashion design industry. He is very well known as a fierce activist who worked for various social causes, an eco-warrior and author. He has been awarded with Padma Shri in the year 2014 and was also a recipient of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) in the year 2015. Mr. Wendell Rodricks made himself available at the Chitkara University, Chandigarh campus on the 29^th of August 2019.

Wendell has successfully made his mark in the fashion industry with his very first collection from Goa. This has earned him the title ‘Guru of Minimalism’. Other than this, ‘Resort wear and ‘Eco-friendly’ garments are the two words that were first introduced in India by Wendell itself. Wendell has the honour of being the first Indian designer to be invited to show at the World’s largest garment fair IGEDO in Germany in 1995, followed by many other prestigious fashion events.

After years of research, Mr. Wendell has finally opened his beautiful 450-year-old ancestral home, 'Casa Dona Maria' in Colvale, as the new 'Moda Goa Museum and Research Centre' — a museum dedicated to Goan costumes; the first of its kind in the country, and possibly the only one in the world!

Mr. Wendell, whose work is not limited to following a particular style but instead involved with a wide range of fashion—from lecturing on world costume history to fashion journalism and styling for international advertising campaigns while interacting with Chitkara University students, spoke about following one's passion - and how he followed his. He studied Hotel Management and worked in the hospitality industry for six years, before studying Fashion Designing in the U.S. and France from 1986 to 1988. It was in the year 1993 when he decided to come to India. He spoke about his academic performance and said, “I was a bright student. My mother wanted me to become a doctor or a dentist! But I said a big No. So I joined the catering and hospitality industry as it was very glamorous, but later discovered my passion in the fashion industry.”

Talking about his design philosophy, he said, “My design philosophy is based on ‘minimalism’ inspired by Indian Geometry, Yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian Gods.” He suggested that the students take inspiration from “their roots” - traditions & culture, celebrate Indian-ness, and bring out their ‘soul’ in the collections. “No one could get better the essence of Kashmir other than Rohit Bal, West Bengal than Sabyasachi, and Goa than Wendell Rodricks!” he added. However, he also divulged some of his management strategies & tips for a budding entrepreneur. He also spoke about the need to create a social impact through work.

Hon’ble Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Vice-Chancellor, Chitkara University, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Wendell Rodricks to Chitkara University. Our students are extremely lucky to get an opportunity to interact and learn from the original vanguard of Indian fashion - a mentor and teacher to several youngsters, and also an author on fashion history, who takes inspiration from his own culture, heart, and soul, to stand out from the rest of the world.” She added, Chitkara University takes special care to invite prominent industry experts, to give the right direction and inspiration, in order to get our students future-ready.

Chitkara University’s ambitious students were thrilled to meet the multi-talented designer. They came up with interesting questions like on how to create an impressive portfolio, what are the skills required, apt training, technical knowledge, networking – all relevant to their future career goals. He did answer them all and concluded with encouragement for students to be their own personal stylist and enjoy fashion. He also added, “Use your DNA, work originally, work for your country & state,” he said. On a more personal note, Wendell shared that he makes it a point to practice charity for three hours every week - in any way, shape or form.