Designer WENDELL RODRICKS’ new venture involves villagers in Karnataka and Goa, reports RASHMI HEMRAJANI.
There has been a new addition to Wendell Rodricks’ studio in Goa. However, the unique thing about this venture—which also involves an NGO—is that he goes au naturel. The fabrics stocked are woven, dyed and sewn by villagers. And the clothes are dyed with guava leaf, pomegranate, red sandalwood and other shrubs.
However, are the villagers able to produce quality work? Wendell says, “There could be some flaws in the weaves. But it is nothing glaring or in-your-face.”
Wendell explains, “Some time ago, a NGO came to me saying that the tribal men and women were burning wood, cutting trees and ruining the forests, which in turn drastically affected the animals living there. And that’s when I thought that we need to generate some employment for them. So, along with the NGO, we started giving the people work.” The villagers belong to the districts closer to Karnataka and Goa.
We ask Wendell about the NGO, but he disappoints us by saying, “I don’t think they would like to talk about it. I don’t want to upset them by mentioning their name and other details. But trust me, they are really doing good work.”
And now after a few months of the venture, Wendell seems to be quite happy with the results. The villagers have begun to use the pure vegetable dye as fertilisers for their fields. Wendell says, “The villagers are encouraged to plant trees and shrubs which could be harvested to make dyes from leaves, barks and fruits.”
The villagers have also been given free gas cylinders, which takes care of their basic necessities.
When asked about the response, Wendell says, “There are 32 other villages who want to be included in the programe. It is a great feeling to be able to give something back to the society.”
h_rashmi@dnaindia.net
