Designer Wendell Rodricks gets French honour Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres

Goa-based designer Wendell Rodricks has been conferred the prestigious French honour Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight in the National Order of Arts and Lettres) for his contribution to fashion industry.

"Thank you France, for bestowing on me a distinction that has gone to the likes of TS Elliott, Audrey Hepburn, Jeanne Moreau, Marion Coutillard among many illustrious artists and writers. I am still digesting it." he posted on his Facebook page, where he added, "Thank you Minister of Culture and Communication ms Aurélie Fillppetti, Paris and His Excellency French Ambassdor to India Francois Richier. To be recognised by a foreign country...Je suis vraiment honore et touché. Merci. Vive La France!"

Established in 1957 to recognise eminent artists and writers, as well as people who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts in France and throughout the world, The Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) is given out thrice annually under the jurisdiction of the minister of culture and communication.

Other recipients of the award include Paul Auster, Ornette Coleman, Agnes Gund, Satyajit Ray, Sivaji Ganesan, Anjolie Ela Menon, Marilyn Horne, Jim Jarmusch, Richard Meier, Robert Paxton, Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, and Uma Thurman.