Dame Zandra Rhodes presented a Pop-up Shop on Jan. 29 and 30 at her beachside home in Del Mar. This was a celebration of her 50th anniversary in the fashion industry. Rhodes was on hand to assist guests as they tried on her remarkable creations. This was such a thrill for everyone. Looking back during the past 50 years, Rhodes has shown fashion and design with an emphasis on textiles. The print was created first and then cut around the fabric to create a one-of-a-kind shape. Many celebrities have donned these amazing garments such as Princess Diana, Cher, Diana Ross, and Freddie Mercury. In 1974, she made tops for Mercury and Brian May for their Queen 11 tour. Most recently, she was asked to replicate these garments for the new 20th Century Fox film “Bohemian Rhapsody.” You may remember the iconic cape she made for Mercury that is seen in many of his publicity pictures.
Rhodes comes up with ‘fantasy’ themed collections each season and has the models dancing down the runway with theatrical lighting and music. Each one of these collections featured a poster with models such as Angelica Houston, Marisa Berenson, and often Zandra herself. Many of Rhodes’ collection used street-style punk. She has been branded as the “Princess of Punk” because she had the first couture collection using punk.
Rhodes founded the Fashion and Textile Museum in 2003 located in London. It was designed by Mexican architect Ricardo Legoretta and has highlighted many fashion designers such as Anna Sui and Missoni. The museum will have a retrospective exhibition: “Zandra Rhodes: 50 Years of Fabulous” opening in September. Visitors will be able to have an up-close look at her innovative designs in this tribute to this iconic designer. The event will display each decade beginning with 1969. Complimenting the exhibit will be a new book: “Zandra Rhodes: 50 Fabulous Years in Fashion.”
It is such a privilege for San Diego to have this acclaimed designer in our city. What is coming up next for her? She will be at London Fashion Week on Feb. 19. Next she will have a “Wiggles & Waggles” fashion show on Feb. 26 at the Del Mar Country Club and, of course, there will be doggie models for this show benefitting the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. If you missed the last Pop-Up Shop here is your chance. Following all this will be El Paseo Fashion Week on March 16.
This international designer is always on the go. What sets her apart from other designers is her fine eye for detail. Her vibrant garments show her love of color. One of my favorite quotes from Zandra is, “Color makes people happy and happy looks good on everyone.” Upcoming Events
– Tuesday, Feb. 26 – Wiggles & Waggles Luncheon and Fashion Show presented by Zandra Rhodes at the Del Mar Country Club. Followed with a Pop-Up Shop. Benefitting Rancho Coastal Humane Society. To purchase tickets, visit sdpets.org.
– Saturday, Feb. 16 – Breakthrough: The Roaring Twenties from 7 to 10 p.m. at IDEA 1 on 895 Park Blvd. Features spoken word, live music and dance performances, wine and food. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1920s fashion. Tickets at VanuardCulture.org.
– Friday, March 22 – Celebrating Couture 2019 presented by Globe Guilders and Neiman Marcus with West Coast debut of MARCHESA’S fall couture collection at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine. Dedicated in loving memory to Audrey S. Geisel. For tickets, globeguilders.org. Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher & Blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com