Zandra Rhodes: Unseen is the inspiring new exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum, London. I spent an enjoyable few hours at the Exhibition on Saturday discovering new insights into this fascinating designer, her archive and her studio.
Throughout the exhibition there are wonderful examples of Zandra's amazing garment designs, beginning with a room featuring intricate beading.
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Zandra Rhodes beaded garments
Photo by Emma Vining |
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Beading close up
Photo by Emma Vining |
The display cases of sample designs show the level of detail that goes into each design. I particularly like the ones that look like drawing with stitches, beads and sequins.
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Zandra Rhodes Beading and Stitching Samples
Photo by Emma Vining |
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Zandra Rhodes Beading and Stitch Samples
Photo by Emma Vining |
Zandra Rhodes Beading and Stitching Samples
Photo by Emma Vining |
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Zandra Rhodes Beading and Stitching Samples
Photo by Emma Vining |
A highlight of the exhibition for me were the sketchbook dresses from the latest collection. The enlarged pages from Zandra's sketchbooks show how important drawing and sketching are to her.
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Zandra Rhodes Sketchbook Collection
Photo by Emma Vining |
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Zandra Rhodes Sketchbook Collection
Photo by Emma Vining |
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Zandra Rhodes Sketchbook Collection
Photo by Emma Vining |
I enjoyed watching the short films that are part of the exhibition. In the first one (downstairs), Zandra talks about her design inspirations and her work ethic. She is so passionate about her work and her enthusiasm is infectious! In particular, she emphasises her inspiration from her drawing, making sure she completes a drawing a day. This is not always a design for a garment or print but one that might lead to such a design. She says that taking a photo is not enough and feels that a drawing goes more into your head.
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Zandra Rhodes Sketchbook
Photo by Emma Vining |
The second film (upstairs) reveales Zandra's involvement with the ENO and the Opera, Aida. The costumes she designed are the perfect fit for the mood and drama of this Opera and her description of the design process involved is fascinating.
Her sketchbooks are on display throughout. There is a lovely note in one of them that begins:
"don't panic.
Ideas cannot be forced.
Relax and give them the freedom to come out"
Excellent advice to those of us admiring her creativity at the exhibition.
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Zandra Rhodes Sketchbook
Photo by Emma Vining |
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Exhibition Dates
Image from the FTM website |
