Haute Tropics

Tag : Dyeing Satin


Cut and colour whiz Wendell Rodricks makes a splash this summerwith his Lakme Fashion Week finale line “TropicalIsland.” Crayon brights, sleek silhouettes and flowingfabrics are the highlight of the collection unveiled at Collage,Greams Road.
Talking about the new line, the Goa-based designer says,“Tropical islands are colourful and picturesque. It wasrefreshing for me to do a collection based on the myriad moods ofthe islands. But, the line is not about bikinis and wraps. It goesbeyond the beach. It’s not about someone who is going on aholiday. It’s about someone who has returned from a Tropicalisland greatly influenced by the flavours of the sea and the shore.So waves, exotic fruits, beautiful birds and butterflies form partof the repertoire of motifs. It’s visually interesting— at the same time very refined.”
With a sunny smile that’s in sync with his subject, hecontinues, “Colour has always been a strong point of mycreations. This time, I was influenced by design ace Yves SaintLaurent and the way he mixed bright hues to add drama to hiscollections. But as usual, in the midst of the visual overdrive,there’s plenty of white too. Since I work from Goa, thebeautiful white-washed walls of the churches have always spurred meto create some pristine pieces.”
As for the fabrics, the line that comprises kaftans, saris, skirtsand tops, uses lycra, linen and georgette with satin. So the linebalances flow and volume, colour and cut with deftness.“It’s quite a layered look. It’s about mixingsheer kaftans with churidars and cholis. The key to making anindividualistic fashion statement is about mixingsilhouettes.”
About the saris, the designer says, “I’ve tried snazzycombinations as well as played with dark tones. For instance,there’s a sari in charcoal, pale blue and purple.” Now,that sounds like a visual overdrive. But Wendell’s specialitylies in the way he creates drama with hues.