Picture this: It's the 80s, I'm flipping through a glossy magazine, and BAM! There's this wild face on the cover, painted like a masterpiece with jewels hanging from her eyelashes. Talk about love at first sight! That was my introduction to the fabulous world of Zandra Rhodes.
1985 - ART & DESIGN Magazine No. 1
Just a year later, and I'm hugging my very own Zandra Rhodes book “ The Art of Zandra Rhodes” like it's made of gold. Her designs? Oh boy, they were something else! Butterfly dresses covered in the coolest patterns you've ever seen. It was like someone took a rainbow, shook it up, and splattered it all over the fabric. I was hooked!
Zandra's influence even made its way into my personal life. For my 18th birthday invitations, I drew inspiration from her shell-like borders and spiralling writing, infusing my own creations with her unique aesthetic. Looking back, I'm certain her work played a significant role in steering me towards a career in interior design. Talk about a butterfly effect, right?
Fashion and Textile Museum
Founded by Zandra in 2002, the museum houses her studio and is synonymous with the brand.
A few years back in 2019, I got to attend this mind-blowing exhibition called "Zandra Rhodes—50 Years of Fabulous." And let me tell you, it was exactly that - FABULOUS! It was like stepping into a time machine of fashion. Every year of her career was there, showing off those unique printed textiles that scream "Zandra!"
And her sketchbooks? Oh. My. Gosh. It was like peeking into the mind of a creative genius. From doodle to dress, it was all there!
From the exhibition text:
“The creation of a garment, in Rhodes’ term a ‘Butterfly’, has followed a remarkably consistent approach. Often, an idea for a new print springs from a page in one of the designer’s ubiquitous sketchbooks; Rhodes has a rule that a drawing should be done every day and her sketchbooks are never far from her hand. Working with her studio, the print is drawn and redrawn on large sheets of paper, often being cut apart and reassembled. The sense of the ‘hand’ in Rhodes’ printed textiles is characteristic of her work.”
You know what's super cool about Zandra? She's like this fashion rebel who's been doing her own thing for FIFTY YEARS! While everyone else is playing musical chairs with trends, she's been rocking her own tune twice a year, every year. And get this - she even designs for opera! I mean, is there anything this woman can't do?
As I stepped into the main gallery space, I was immediately transported into Rhodes' vibrant world. The feature walls dripped with the designer's classic gold, reminiscent of her iconic lamé gowns. My eyes were drawn to the central, multi-tiered plinth that showcased more than thirty ensembles against a backdrop of pink and red. It was a feast for the senses, and I found myself spinning around, trying to take it all in at once.
I weaved through the ground floor, marvelling at Rhodes' gorgeous prints spanning decades. From her 70's 'Giant Snail Flower' design to the iconic 'Button Flower' and 'Chinese Squares' from the 1980s, each piece told a story. I gasped as I recognised the dress worn by Princess Diana, then found myself captivated by a 2018 fan-pleated jumpsuit in dramatic shimmer satin. Rhodes' first sari, a testament to her collaboration with Indian craftsmen and artisans, hung nearby. As I turned a corner, I was greeted by pieces dedicated to New York, featuring the Manhattan skyline. It was overwhelming to see so many collections, so many years of work, all under one roof. Just when I thought I'd seen it all, I climbed the stairs to what Rhodes had aptly named her "forest of chiffons". It was a truly magical experience, one I'll never forget.
Oh my goodness, I couldn't believe I was actually there, walking through that forest of chiffon and silk! It was like stepping into a dream I'd had for 35 years. There were over thirty hand-designed, screen-printed textiles hanging all around me, from floor to ceiling. I was literally surrounded by Zandra's art, able to reach out and almost touch these iconic prints I'd admired for so long.
I wove my way between the rows, my eyes darting from one stunning design to another. There was the 'Mexican' collection with its playful sombreros, and over there, the 'Indian Feathers' design that I remembered poring over in my book all those years ago. It was surreal to think that 35 years before, I was just a teenager, marvelling at these designs on paper. Now, there I was, standing amongst them, breathing in the same air as these magnificent creations.
Each step I took revealed another iconic print, another piece of Zandra's incredible career. I wasn't just seeing fashion history; I was walking through it. The textures, the colours, the patterns - they were all so much more vibrant and alive in person. It was like each silk flag was whispering the story of its creation, and I was there to listen, wide-eyed and wonder-struck.
Zandra Rhodes isn't just a designer; she's a burst of creative energy! Starting with a loan from Vanessa Redgrave—which is pretty impressive—she went on to dress rock stars like Freddie Mercury and famous singers like Barbra Streisand. That's what I call making it big!
On the topic of rock stars, here's a fun story: a few years back, I went to my sister-in-law's 50th birthday party dressed up as Zandra. Looking for jewellery and colourful stuff on Brunswick Street in Melbourne was so much fun—I felt like a kid in a sweet shop. It was really exciting!
Heads up, fashion fans! At the end of September, you can "join the dots" via live stream at the V&A to discover more about this amazing designer. Trust me, you don't want to miss it!
As I keep on my own creative adventure, I'm taking a page (or should I say, a fabric swatch?) out of Zandra's book: be bold, go crazy with colour, and always, ALWAYS stay true to your unique vision. Because in Zandra's world - and now in mine - there's no such thing as too much fabulous!