Ace fashion designer and activist Wendell Rodricks passed away in Goa at his home in North Goa’s Colvale on Wednesday. He was 59 years old.

One of the most celebrated designers, Rodricks has reportedly suffered a heart attack.

Since the news of his untimely death broke, the fans and friends from the fraternity have been sending condolences.

Many celebrities like actress Neha Dhupia offered her heartfelt condolences on Twitter.

Wendell , I may have not know you well enough but all I know is that every time I saw you , you would always be smiling and your smile would light up the entire room… wherever you are may the angels always be with you ❤️ #gonetoosoon #RIPWendellRodricks pic.twitter.com/1gHzOnjyxC

— Neha Dhupia (@NehaDhupia) February 12, 2020

The Bollywood director Madhur Bhandarkar wrote in his tweet that the news of the designer’s death has shocked him, and also offered his condolences to the family.

Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of fashion designer, Wendell Rodricks,
My heartfelt condolences to his family & dear ones. We will truly miss him. RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/1aEAbMzyMS

— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) February 12, 2020

Goa state minister Vishwajit Rane wrote on Twitter, “Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of my very good friend and designer, Wendell Rodricks. His excellency in his work and skills are irreplaceable and shall always be cherished. We will truly miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and dear ones (sic).”

Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of my very good friend and designer, Wendell Rodricks. His excellency in his work & skills are irreplaceable & shall always be cherished.

We will truly miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his family & dear ones. pic.twitter.com/CzRnQJjbxf

— VishwajitRane (@visrane) February 12, 2020

Arjun Rampal’s message adds that the designer’s smile always made him smile and that he will be dearly missed.

This is such sad sad news, a beautiful human and such a talented designer, the fashion industry and the world has lost today. It was such joy whenever I met him. His smile always made me smile,you will be missed Wendell. Condolences and prayers for all ur loved ones #ripwendell pic.twitter.com/Y19IdrzFJt

— arjun rampal (@rampalarjun) February 12, 2020

Shobhaa De also offered her condolences on Twitter adding that the designer has a beautiful legacy.

Farewell ! Always true to your heart.
The baton was passed on…
The label lives!
What a beautiful legacy…@Wendellrodricks #wendellrodricks pic.twitter.com/A7o5VDvli0

— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) February 12, 2020

Singer, Sona Mohapatra also wrote about the designer’s sudden death on her Twitter account, feeling shocked and saddened by the designer’s death.

Full of love. Full of life. All heart. All soul. A connoisseur. A creator. A pioneer. A change-maker. I feel lucky having known you. @Wendellrodricks you will remain in my heart forever. Refuse to see you any other way than that afternoon we spent in your glorious home in Goa. pic.twitter.com/06959BjXeD

— SONA (@sonamohapatra) February 12, 2020

Union minister women and child development and handloom and textile, Smriti Irani took to Twitter to express her condolences, “Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Wendell Rodricks, one of India’s most renowned designers. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Wendell Rodricks, one of India’s most renowned designers. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace 🙏

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) February 12, 2020

Wendell’s last post on Instagram said that he was working on his costume museum in Goa. “Final plastering at work,” wrote Rodricks on his account three days ago. The Moda Goa Museum will be India’s first costume museum. It is to be housed in a 450-year-old traditional Goan villa in Colvale.

 

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@modagoamuseum final plastering at work

A post shared by Wendell Rodricks (@wendellrodricks) on Feb 9, 2020 at 5:01am PST

The ace fashion designer was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2014. Rodricks, known for his minimalism in his fashion was a vocal activist of gay rights and environmental issues.