Wendell Rodricks is a brand known all over the world for its minimalism that speaks to contemporary fashionistas. The eponymous label started by Goa-based designer, activist and Padma Shri awardee has spearheaded an eco-friendly, sustainable fashion trend. Post his retirement in 2016, the label is now flourishing at the capable hands of 20-something-year-old protégé Schulen Fernandes. Now expanding her eclectic fashion to Kochi through Thunnal Multi Designer Store, the Mumbai-based creative head is all praise for Kerala handloom. “We have always loved our time working with weavers from the state. City-based Kara weaves is one such organisation that works with principles close to our heart and delivers on handcrafted designs with consistency,” she adds, mentioning the mundu fabric that hangs as star threads in the Eco Room at their flagship store—the Wendell Rodricks Design Spaces.
Between the shores
Schulen, along with Anu Jacob, Thunnal’s creative coordinator, has picked up a dynamic collection for the Kochi market, keeping a more evolved customer base in mind. “Keralites are discerning of the understated elegance and sustainable vein of our label,” she adds. The local outlet has a good mix of Wendell’s eclectic designs, that include dresses made from silks, linen and handloom cotton. Silk garments from the Wow Factor collection with kaftan-like ease are for those cruises and holidays. There are also pastel silk perennials from the brand’s best selling blouson range with asymmetric hems. Infinity cape cocktail dresses, cotton tunics and all-year-breathable linen staple dresses are for the brunch and evening looks. Though the pieces available now at the store is all about WR’s Goan origins, Schulen also plans on collaborating further with Kerala handloom and designers. “Design thrives on evolving with new ideas and collaborations, hence its a constant endeavour at our end to work with like-minded artists and artisans,” she concludes.
At Thunnal Multi Designer
Store, Vyttila.
From `2,000.