Zandra Rhodes is featured as part of the Fashion’s Night Out: Midwest series.
I remember my interview at Zandra Rhodes Enterprises in London- I took forever deciding what to wear. My final choice was brown with cream and pink plaid trousers with my mother’s gold belt loosely slung around my hips, a white blouse, “trainers,” and my hair half-up in 2 buns on the top of my head (I had to look presentable yet inspiring, I deduced.)
Some of the moments I'm remember now from my internship is having tea 2-3 times a day. I remember there being just loads of tea in the little kitchen, but that's where we would commune and chitchat for a couple of minutes before going back to work. I remember helping the other interns put mangoes and other swag into the gift bags for the BBC party at The Fashion & Textile Museum... and then coming back later and crashing the party. I remember one of the interns had on leggings, leg warmers, an off-the-shoulder slashed t-shirt, and a black Prada fanny pack- just so chic- and I felt like I was dressed like a 10 year old with my Abercrombie jeans and t-shirt.
Completing the textile internship program at Zandra Rhodes several years ago was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. I was able to learn from the best textile designers in the world, create my own textiles, model a caftan at an Andrew Logan/Zandra private showing, and experience working in the magnificent city that is London. Zandra has since then always inspired my clothing choices and my design work. As stated at the end of her interview, Zandra Rhodes and the Fashion and Textile Museum are still taking interns, as well as designers. I highly recommend any designer take a serious look into it. (I see studio flats just outside of London are just £160/week...) Here is an exclusive interview and photos straight from the headquarters itself, with Zandra Rhodes:
Some of the moments I'm remember now from my internship is having tea 2-3 times a day. I remember there being just loads of tea in the little kitchen, but that's where we would commune and chitchat for a couple of minutes before going back to work. I remember helping the other interns put mangoes and other swag into the gift bags for the BBC party at The Fashion & Textile Museum... and then coming back later and crashing the party. I remember one of the interns had on leggings, leg warmers, an off-the-shoulder slashed t-shirt, and a black Prada fanny pack- just so chic- and I felt like I was dressed like a 10 year old with my Abercrombie jeans and t-shirt.
Completing the textile internship program at Zandra Rhodes several years ago was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. I was able to learn from the best textile designers in the world, create my own textiles, model a caftan at an Andrew Logan/Zandra private showing, and experience working in the magnificent city that is London. Zandra has since then always inspired my clothing choices and my design work. As stated at the end of her interview, Zandra Rhodes and the Fashion and Textile Museum are still taking interns, as well as designers. I highly recommend any designer take a serious look into it. (I see studio flats just outside of London are just £160/week...) Here is an exclusive interview and photos straight from the headquarters itself, with Zandra Rhodes:
What is Zandra Rhodes Enterprises currently busy with?
Zandra Rhodes Enterprises have just launched a fabulous new line of Costume Jewellery. This collection includes huge black beads and gold Zandra Rhodes wiggles and a charm necklace as well as brooches modelled on historical motifs Zandra created in the 1980’s.
What is your inspiration for the S/S 2012 collection?
A kaleidoscope of colour and motifs cascading together.
Who have you dressed lately?
Princess Michael of Kent had 2 wonderful new pieces for Princess Anne’s daughters wedding.
What did those garments look like?
Boho chic – lace neck, points and white feathers on the tips.
I read once that Zandra Rhodes tunics are one of Mary-Kate Olsen’s favorite pieces…
I always see fabulous pictures of both the Olsen girls in my historical dresses. They have several each.
I remember you being very hard-working, and you are obviously quite successful. What is your work philosophy?
I do work very hard, because I feel everything must be personal and individual and this is hard work to ensure this personal touch stays.
The Fashion & Textile Museum currently showcases young designer goods in the store. If a designer outside of the UK wanted to submit their designs, could they?
The FTM is open to all who apply to sell their goods.
Are you still taking textile interns should someone who reads this article be interested in interning?
I still take interns and they enjoy this experience although it is hard work, but it reveals to them both the joy of textile design and that it is hard work.
To see Zandra Rhodes’ designs and see more of what she’s been up to, visit http://www.zandrarhodes.com/home.html
“Zandra Rhodes contributed to the fashion world like all those who have a radically personal vision connected to codes and trends, or current tastes, those who innovate and bring the kind of oxygen we need.” –Christian Lacroix
Here's a little (grainy) slideshow of photos from my London scrapbook:
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