Zandra Rhodes

Dame Zandra Rhodes was born in Kent in 1940 and was introduced to fashion by her mother, a fitter in Worth, Paris. In the 1970s, she headed the new wave of British designers who put London at the forefront of international fashion. Her garments have a timeless quality making them unmistakably Rhodes’ creations; bold, dynamic, colourful and feminine. Zandra has designed for Princess Diana, Princess Michael, Freddy Mercury, Diana Ross, Helen Mirren, and Ellen Burstein. She has also designed Opera sets and costumes for The Pearl Fishers, Magic Flute and Aida. Her vintage dresses are seen at the Oscars and her print design influence is on the world’s catwalks. Zandra also founded the Fashion and Textile Museum London and her exhibition: “Zandra Rhodes, a Lifelong Love Affair with Textiles” has exhibited all over the world, including Milan, Melbourne, Mexico City, Boston and Kuala Lumpur. The Queen made her a Dame in 2014 for services to fashion.