Zandra Rhodes a lifelong love affair with textiles

Zandra Rhodes a lifelong love affair with textiles
By Gity Monsef
Published by the Antique Collectors’ Club
ISBN: 1851494863
Price: £18.95
Reviewed by Sue Pritchard

This is a stunning collection of photographs and contributors all wrapped up in a beautifully designed book printed on high quality paper.

As you would expect from any publication about Zandra Rhodes, the colour is sumptuous. The book charts Zandra’s designs throughout her career and gives an insight into her design techniques and influences.

The reader is taken through the design process from sketchbook, to print room, to finished garment. Then there is a study of how her fabric prints dictated the shapes of her dress designs and her exploration of colour. How she constantly explored techniques and began to experiment with external seams leads to the continuing evolution of The Dress 73/44. We are then taken on a tour of Zandra’s travels and shown how every new experience is translated into textile. The whole affair is climaxed with contributions from the good and the great of the fashion world who have appreciated Zandra’s unique status among them.