Wendell Rodricks is all set to add another feather to his cap. Already a name to be reckoned with in the Fashion industry, he is now entering the publishing world with his new book, Moda Goa: History and Style . The book was launched first at the Jaipur Literature Festival, 2012. Once again, Rodricks puts his State on the map; this time, through the power of the pen.
What was it that got you writing this book?
Mario Miranda recommended my name to write a chapter in a book that writer Marion Cabral e Sa was compiling. The book did not get published but in the process of the research on the Pano Bhaju (an ensemble to dance the Mando) I was so fascinated that I began to think of writing the history of Goan Costume. It was virgin territory as no one had placed this perspective at a Goan, Indian or international level. I had no idea that the research would take nine years and the book come out almost a little over 11 years after Mario first spiel to me about the Pano Bhaju.
You've already put Goa on the map as far as the world of fashion is concerned. With this book, you've also introduced a side of Goa that hasn't been researched before. Tell us a little about the process of writing this book, the research that went into it.
Since I had to keep up with my fashion work as a designer, I kept aside three hours daily for the research. I also interacted with scholars, writers, historians and others who were helpful at every stage. The Goan people opened their door for meals, offering assistance and even allowing me access to their wardrobes and bank lockers. It is humbling that so many people, not only in Goa but from faraway places where Goans are settled helped. They sent information, photographs and led me to people who could offer further help.
And I read many hundreds of books. To learn what Vasco da Gama found in the hazard of Calicut, I read four biographies to get a single paragraph on clothing. Similarly, I sought the help of mythologist Devdutt Patnaik who came to Goa to help out with the two chapters on the gods. There was much information I gleaned from places outside Goa... what was the original Konkan Coast. From Kerala northwards to Gujarat.
I had to learn Portuguese as many of the books are in Portuguese. I learnt the language in three months and it is incredible that I found the time to learn a language with the time constraints.
At some stage I began to collect garments and accessories. To learn how to preserve them I took a six-month sabbatical to intern at the National Costume Museum in Lisbon and the Museum at FIT, New York.
So it was a Goan, Indian and international experience in many ways.
This is your first book. How has the experience been? And is another already on its way?
This is my first book. It terrified me earlier to interact with curators of international standing and speak to renowned Goan scholars. I felt often like a child at school — learning my way on this incredible journey. Writing the book was a lesson in patience and perseverance. Thanks to my agent Mita Kapur and Karthika and Neelini, editors at Harper Collins, I was in good hands to write the book. Yes, there is another book on the way. It is my autobiography called The Green Room , which will be published in August/ September 2012 by Raintree, the imprint of Rupa publishers.
Were there any particular difficulties, or challenges, that you faced while writing this book? And anything you specially enjoyed?
I enjoyed learning about my heritage. It was difficult being a pioneer walking into a void. But since I have lectured on World Costume History at SNDT University in Mumbai for eight years, I was better equipped to handle this topic. I am glad that Goan costume has found its place in the national and international clothing historical archive.
How was the Jaipur Literary Festival experience?
It was humbling and exhilarating. Someone sent me a hate mail over an article I wrote on my experience in Jaipur... saying that I am a name dropper and an ego-head. But the fact is I was genuinely agog at the writers and celebrities who were at the festival. And Rajeev Sethi who launched the book donated his 30 Kunbi saris, collected over two decades, to the museum I hope to open in Goa on the history of Goan costume. I was like a child in a candy store at Jaipur.
You were the first Indian designer to be invited to display his garments at the world's largest garment fair at Dusseldorf. Since then, there have been several milestones in your career. Anything that stands out, that you'd like to mention?
Next week I open the world's largest Organic Fair at BIOFACH in Nuremberg. It is a great honour that our work on reviving the Goan Kunbi sari got this recognition. As always I hope to do my State and country proud. But for now I am basking in the relief and happiness that Moda Goa: History and Style is finally out for us all to enjoy.
