Celebrating the coming together of two icons synonymous with design & innovation.
A recent first-of-its-kind partnership between two iconic labels inked a new page in the history of Indian fashion. The high-octane lineup resulting from this dynamic collaboration celebrates a phenomenal confluence of Amit Aggarwal and Wendell Rodricks’ signature aesthetics – form & fluidity.
Back in the nineties, when the Indian fashionscape fancied heavy brocades and dense embroideries, Wendell Rodricks introduced breathable textiles and flowy silhouettes – hence, pioneering resort wear in a country known for its rich artistry. Hailed as the Guru of Minimalism, Rodricks changed the way people perceived effortless style with a design language and philosophy inspired by his slow and relaxed Goan lifestyle. In times when heavy occasion wear defined trends, he stunned the audience with anti-fit dresses, white linens and eclectic neons that were foreign to the traditional colour palette.
Ever since Wendell started his label in 1989, his trailblazing designs have been seen on runways, celebrities and magazines, gaining global acclaim. Through a unique collaboration with Wendell Rodricks Label, today’s ace designer Amit Aggarwal – renowned for his cutting-edge design – paid tribute to the late prodigy with whom he shares a vision aimed at norm-defying craftsmanship. Both Aggarwal and Rodricks are known for their unique take on form and structure, incorporating geometry into their designs.
On the 6th of November, the legacy brand launched the capsule collection at Wendell Rodricks and Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio stores across major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru & Ahmedabad, as well as on the brands’ online platforms. This not only made the collection available to a wider clientele but also offered patrons all across the globe the chance to own a piece of the legacy collaboration.
A Goan sojourn: the meeting point for old and the new
A journey that started with Amit Aggarwal’s pilgrimage-like trip to Goa ended in design marvels that flawlessly blend both the designers’ signature elements. “Wendell’s glorious world was unassuming, pared down, and the surroundings held space for all the wild and beautiful things to flourish unimpeded. And this is what I celebrate with this collection! As I pay homage to the late designer, I also find rare similarities in what invokes a unique design vocabulary, which I have tried to bring to life with this collection”, says Amit Aggarwal.
When Wendell’s long-time partner Jerome Marrel opened doors to their private home and the Moda Goa Museum to Aggarwal, he soaked in the Susegad way of life that Wendell advocated and drew inspiration from his archival works. Even though Amit Aggarwal had never met the late fashion maverick, this proved to be the perfect setting for such a historic partnership, where the worlds of both the designers warmly merged together – amidst the quiet of Goan trees and away from the spotlight.
A stroke of brilliance: where structure transformed into shapeless flares
When one looks back at Wendell’s most revered creations, one can find an eclectic, joy-evoking colour palette along with serene whites and pastels. In this collection, Amit Aggarwal pays homage to the style savant with saturated hues and billowing silhouettes that pulsate the vibe of a tropical haven. Think bias-cut dresses, flowy capes, delicate fringes and dreamy fabrics. In this lineup, Wendell’s celebrated flares find form with Amit Aggarwal’s signature rings and circles. Hence, the inconspicuous use of geometry evident in each piece stands for the flawless blend of two very different design codes.
Old friends and a tale of eternal inspiration
What made this union even more special is Wendell’s all-time muse, Malaika Arora headlined the campaign. The friendship between them grew during her early modelling days when the designer discovered her. She can even be seen in many of the designer’s photoshoots shot in Goa. Apart from walking the runway for the designer’s various fashion shows, a youthful & vivacious Malaika – moments before one of her runway appearances – adorns the cover of Wendell’s memoir, The Green Room.
On the other hand, a true connoisseur of art and fashion, Malaika is often spotted wearing Amit Aggarwal’s enigmatic creations. The model and actress shared, “I’m glad I could be a part of this collaboration. I love that we’ve just revived Wendell’s creations and all that he’s done with fashion over the years. It makes me really happy and proud to be a part of such an artistic collaboration today with Amit Aggarwal by my side.”
The collection, Wendell Rodricks X Amit Aggarwal, is a result of meticulous planning and introspection into a creative realm that very few can decipher. It is not only the coming together of two design legends but also an ode to shared visions and inspirations in the pursuit of futuristic fashion.
