Fashion designer and icon Wendell Rodricks was in the city recently for the launch of his autobiography, ‘The Green Room’. The book, who’s jacket shows one his favourite models, Malaika Arora Khan dressed in a Mussel top, is a self-penned memoir that recounts the mercuric rise of the designer, amid a humorous and rather captivating narrative that gives us the lowdown of the fashion industry.
Peppered with wry observations and startling insights, the book provides a peek into Rodrick’s meandering life - from growing up in the chawls of Bombay to studying fashion in Paris to being caught amid the Mumbai riots and establishing his eponymous label in Goa. The gorgeous and neurotic sit besides frauds and fakes to reveal the true face of Indian fashion.
From his start as a cook in Oman to his fluid fashion innovations, the book shadows his rise and growth, and that of the industry over 25 years. It also discusses the causes of the evolution of the Indian Fashion industry over this time period. The author has brilliantly written a sparking piece which narrates a fascinating tale of those individuals who lived life with an unusual courage and flair.
The launch was opened by a reading session, where Rodricks read excerpts from his book, besides engaging in a conversation with Hyderabad-based designer Asmita Marwa.