“Goa is oxygen for me,” declares Wendell Rodricks, “I breathe and live in a creative bubble no one can understand… until they see my almost yogic, pure existence here.”
Wendell Rodricks unwinds about being secure in his sexuality, fashion, Bollywood diva Rekha and why he’d never leave Goa
“Goa is oxygen for me,” declares Wendell Rodricks, “I breathe and live in a creative bubble no one can understand… until they see my almost yogic, pure existence here.”
One look at his gorgeous heritage bungalow nestled in a remote village of Colvale, and you understand why nothing, not even the advantages of setting base in the more fashion conscious cities of India, could drag Goa’s most famous fashion designer out of his home town.
Casa Dona Maria
Wendell says his Casa Dona Maria is a heaven on earth. “Jerome (his life partner) and I made this home with love as the main ingredient. For me, it’s not a building; it is a very abstract state of mind. I love my garden, the dining room with its huge altar. I sleep in the 450-year-old Hindu part that is one meter below ground level. It’s like sleeping on a Greek excavation site. I love it!” he says.
Rekha - his special house guest
While he’s played host to many celebrated guests, the one he simply can’t forget is Bollywood’s timeless diva Rekha. “Jerome lit the entire garden and house with candles. It was from another time and Rekha’s mouth fell open at the sight.
We did a similar candle lit evening for Ruskin Bond and I recall how he left the house and then came back to say ‘I want to look at this sight once more so that it stays with me forever’,” he reminisces.
Coming out of the closet
While many of his colleagues in the industry are still battling their demons, Wendell has never been one to run from anything, not even his sexuality. “Coming out of the closet is difficult and exhilarating. It’s not for everyone. I have a loving family and friends who care. Besides we behave with dignity in society. There are very few gay men in our lives. Most Sundays are spent at the pool with families and children. Sexuality plays a small role in my life. I love people and I love women. And people and women sense that and feel safe with us,” he says.
Jerome
He’s the French man who made Goa his home and Wendell his partner for life. Ask Wendell the secret behind their successful 25-year-old relationship and he quickly replies, “For me, it’s not only about love; it’s about respect. I can spend 25 reincarnations with Jerome. He is a very special soul.”
The future
Just back from a successful showing of his home and linen line (in association with Bombay Dyeing) in Dubai, the designer reveals he sometimes contemplates giving up fashion. “But I don’t think my fans and India will let me give up fashion. I started a style of minimalism and must carry that flag,” he signs off.
g_sheree@dnaindia.net
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