Zandra Rhodes is a well-known fashion and textile designer who was born in Chatham, Kent in 1940. She is the founder of the Fashion and Textile Museum in London and is recognized for her vibrant and unique use of colors and prints. Throughout her career, she has dressed royalty and iconic figures in pop culture, such as Princess Diana and Debbie Harry. Rhodes has even won a Daytime Emmy award for costume design in 1979. Her recently published memoir, Iconic, sheds light on her incredible journey in the fashion industry.
Growing up, Zandra Rhodes was influenced by her mother, Beatrice, who had a keen eye for style and worked as a pattern cutter for the couture brand, House of Worth. Rhodes recalls her mother always dressing distinctively, which left her feeling embarrassed as a child. However, her mother’s creativity and passion for fashion inspired Rhodes to pursue a career in design.
In the early 1960s, Rhodes studied at the Royal College of Art where she developed her bold and colorful design style. Despite facing initial rejection for her unique designs, Rhodes persevered and eventually caught the attention of Diana Vreeland from American Vogue. This encounter marked a turning point in her career and opened up new opportunities for her in the fashion world.
Rhodes spent much of the 1970s in New York, immersing herself in the vibrant social scene and promoting her designs. She recalls memorable experiences at Andy Warhol’s Factory, where she encountered artists and poets in a lively atmosphere. Her unconventional style and exotic fashion choices caught the eye of influential figures like interior designer Angelo Donghia, who appreciated her textile designs.
Throughout her career, Rhodes has crossed paths with various celebrities, from Freddie Mercury to Zsa Zsa Gabor. She fondly remembers her interactions with Freddie Mercury, who visited her studio in 1974. She also reflects on the challenging experience of dressing Zsa Zsa Gabor, who had a penchant for causing drama behind the scenes.
In a surprising turn of events, Rhodes discovered a serious medical condition during the early days of the Covid pandemic. A growth in her bile duct initially gave her a grim prognosis, but miraculously disappeared after nine months of treatment. Despite facing health challenges, Rhodes remains resilient and focused on her work in the studio.
Today, Zandra Rhodes continues to leave a lasting impact on the world of fashion with her bold and artistic designs. While she may not don her own creations on a daily basis, her legacy as a trailblazing designer and creative visionary endures. Through her memoir and reflections on her illustrious career, Rhodes inspires aspiring designers and fashion enthusiasts to embrace their unique talents and express themselves boldly.