Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud Fashion Neurosis with Zandra Rhodes
Oct 1, 2025
Dame Zandra Rhodes, a pioneer in British fashion known for her vibrant prints and signature pink hair, shares her fascinating journey from textile design to making her own clothes. She reflects on the influence of her mother and her friendship with Divine, the cult actor. Zandra also discusses her breakthrough moment with Diana Vreeland, her unique approach to beauty in design, and the importance of craftsmanship in fashion. With a heartfelt look at her Damehood and ongoing projects, Rhodes continues to inspire with her creative spirit.
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Mother As Creative Catalyst
- Zandra credits her mother for early daring and craft skills that shaped her career and confidence.
- Her mother went to Paris to work for Worth and taught dressmaking, inspiring Zandra's hands-on approach.
Make Drawing Your First Step
- Draw constantly to embed ideas and remember details more vividly than photos.
- Use drawing as the first step when developing collections before scanning or digitising work.
From Textile Designer To Dressmaker
- Zandra moved from textile design to making dresses after others rejected her prints as 'extreme'.
- She taught herself patternmaking, showed as a dress designer in America, and was taken at face value as a clothes designer.