From Goa, with love...

Multi-faceted, overwhelmingly talented, astonishingly versatile; there are many compliments one could bestow on Goa’s most famous son Wendell Rodricks. All would be justified but none would do him justice. The man is larger than the myth not least because of his amazing ability to remain rooted in the reality and simplicity of his being, even as the flames of fame rage higher around him.

It has been a fascinating journey for the 2014 Padma Shri (Art) recipient as he negotiated, with courage, dignity and style the labyrinths of life, from the chawls of Mumbai to the fashion capitals of the world. His wings and his roots he credits equally to the love of his life Jerome Marrel with whom he signed an official civil union and with whom he shares a home in Colvale.

Even as this ‘rainbow warrior’ put India firmly on the fashion map with his iconic drape and designs, the literary world was enriched with his memoir The Green Room; history was resurrected and preserved with his book Moda Goa – History and Style; a preservation project that he is now taking forward with an eponymous museum. Through it all, this proud Goan still found time to champion and advocate for all things indigenous. He is credited with reviving the weave of the traditional Goan Kunbi sari and is unstinting in his support of local Goan causes for art, artisans, education and social work.

The recipient of Chevalier de L’Ordre National des Arts et Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by The Ministry of Culture and Communication of France was recently in Bengaluru for a reading of his latest literary offering — Poskem: Goans in the Shadows. This is an entertaining read of a tarnished, moribund episode of Goan life, with the double delight of authentic Goan recipes expertly woven into the story.

Here are some edited excerpts from an exclusive conversation:

Who or what was the catalyst for the start of your journey in the world of fashion design?

I saw The Sound of Music when I was seven years old. That scene where Julie Andrews used the curtain drapes to make clothing...it was like magic; it stayed with me all my life. Still does. I still think about the wonder of how a flat piece of fabric can be cut in such a way so as to create garments of great beauty.

What were you like as a child? Did anything in your childhood point to or prepare you for this journey?

I was a shy, thin, stuttering child. Somewhere along the way, I changed. For that, you will have to read my memoir The Green Room. True love changed everything about my persona and gave me wings to soar.

How have Wendell Rodricks the person and Wendell Rodricks the designer evolved over the years?

I don’t think about myself. I really don’t. It’s an ego trip that I detest. I think of my work, my pets, my friends, family and partner. Not necessarily in that order. For now, I am obsessing about the Moda Goa Museum.

What is a normal working day for you like?

Boring. I wake up early, say my prayers, do some yoga, get on social media, write and design. Then lunch, a short siesta, and I enjoy the evening. I am in bed most days at 9.30 or 10 pm. I wake up at 5 am. If I am in a writing mode, I wake up at 4 am.

Do you have a particular creative process, especially when preparing for a show?

I feel the emotion totally. It is not a segregated process. I am thinking about the garments, the colours, the music, the presentation...everything. All at once. I totally get into the skin of the collection. It stays with me for weeks. During collections, I don’t let anything corrupt my thoughts. I become anti-social and don’t mix with anyone at these times.

As an established designer, are you ever assailed by self-doubts? Do you get stuck creatively? How do you overcome this?

I love my work too much to have doubts. I have doubts about other people involved with my show. I don’t trust anyone. I am a control freak when it comes to my work. It’s my way or the highway. I can be a terror. But for the most part, I am so disciplined that I am chilled out. If I do have any doubts, I think it through. I don’t let anyone stress me out. I build a wall of destressing and overcome all hurdles with a solution, or a couple of solutions in mind. I admit that people can have doubts about me and my intentions, especially if they don’t know me. I love life and have no time for frivolity, doubts, mind games and bullshit.

How do you balance your avatars of
designer and author?

I don’t. I am a Gemini. I can happily multitask. People are shocked when I am writing something down on another topic and I tell them ‘Keep talking. I am listening.’ And I truly do. God gave me a rare gift of multitasking yet staying with the focus of two topics.

In 2010, you revived the weaving of the Kunbi sari. What is the current cause(s) that you feel strongly about?

The Moda Goa Museum. We hope to open with all wings completed by the end of 2018.

Tell us something special or unusual about you that the world does not know.

That I have a whacky sense of humour. Even when things are going terribly wrong around me, I can laugh at how ridiculous it all is. I love humour. It is a special gift to be able to laugh. Especially at oneself. At times my partner will ask ‘What are you laughing at?’ And I reply, ‘At myself. I made such an ass of myself.’ Then we both guffaw like hyenas.

What is your advice to youngsters just embarking on this journey?

Be original. Especially in this time of social media, people can spot a copy. Stay true to your country and state. It is your special cultural DNA and no one can steal it from you. Rohit Bal does Kashmir best, Sabyasachi does Kolkata best, and I know I have done my best based on my Goan genes.