Rodricks explains why keeping it simple works best

But it’s hard to keep that country of sunny beaches and leggy supermodels out of the picture entirely. “I did look up pictures of Brazil — the Copacabana,Rio de Janeiro and the sunset on the beach,when I began to design this collection,” says Rodricks,“because when you listen to Bossa Nova,your mind does tend to wander in that direction. And you can’t get away from the fact that Brazil has given a lot to fashion,including some of the sexiest models of our times,like Gisele Bundchen.”

The collection is typifies what one has come to expect from Rodricks — sensual jersey finds space with crisp linens,the cuts are relaxed and flowing,the colours are bright with coral pinks and reds and the look is uber chic. With this line,the veteran designer shows once again that when it comes to translating art forms into wearable clothing,he’s got no match. The collection he’d shown at the Lakme Fashion Week in March had him bring Mondrian’s minimalist art to saris and sexy mini-dresses,and the Bossa Nova collection,which he had showcased at the LFW in September,has a flowing sensuality that instantly evokes the easy rhythms of the music it is named for.

Which makes us wonder — does he ever find it hard to work within a set theme? “Not at all,” he says,“In fact,I can never understand it when designers say that there’s no theme they worked on. Working on a certain theme,contrary to popular belief,actually liberates you. It gives you a set space and parameters.”

Ask him if he’ll ever step out of his comfort zone of resort wear and the answer is a vehement negative. “I made resort wear popular in India. Why should I disassociate myself from that?” he asks,“In fact,I really admire the work that my friends,such as Tarun Tahiliani,are doing,but if you ask me to do something similar,I’ll be out of my depths. Besides,we really don’t need anymore designers working with sequins.”