Flamboyant fashion and textiles designer Zandra Rhodes was in town for the L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival. Check out our feature on Zandra in the March issue but first, Zandra gives us a 60 second insight into her busy life!
What is it that you love so much about Australia?
A: How can you fail to like it! I’ve been spoilt and warmly welcomed ever since I stepped off the plane in 1971!
Recently on our website we have had a contentious issue about whether or not Aussie designers can cut it on the overseas stage…what’s your opinion on this?
A: Australia’s biggest export of talent in every field is talent and entrepreneurship. If there isn’t a great Aussie up there at the moment there will be eventually.
Is there anything that you think differentiates Australian designers from their overseas counterparts?
A: Tough pioneering spirit
Tell us about the inspiration behind your Uluru collection?
A: In 1971 I came to Oz and I kept seeing postcards and pictures of “The Rock”, I was determined to visit it. I went in 73 and drew it at sunrise and sunset. The Spinifex grass has been an inspiration for many of my prints including my latest Top Chop collection.
Who has been your favourite celebrity or royal to dress?
A: Princess Diana was a shy dream and always looked wonderful. Kelly Osbourne is another I enjoy dressing
What impact has designing clothes for Opera had on you as a designer and on your label?
A: It has meant inspiration in 2 different directions. For my latest, AIDA, I was able to go back to my own Egyptian collection of 1987 and use the very same Egyptian prints. The priests wore printed golden leopard skins on their bald heads. Also at the grand opening its such a joy to see my clothes from all period being worn, some vintage as far back as 1975!
What advice would you give to budding young models?
A: Make sure you don’t take it all too seriously and have a back up plan as it’s a fickle industry. But also to believe in yourself and your ability even if others doubt it. That belief can get you a long way, trust me.
How do you reinvent yourself as a fashion designer?
A: Constant rethinking. Going on travel adventures with my close friends and when on holidays drawing in my sketch book everyday
What has been your most memorable career moment to date?
A: Freddie Mercury first debut outfit, Princess Anne’s engagement dress photo and creating dresses with holes and safety pins 8 years before Versace
What are the main things that make Zara Rhodes tick?
A: Friends, designing, cooking, gardening.
Your essential fashion advice would be…
A: Never give up
If you weren’t a designer – what would you be?
A: An artist
You never leave home without…
A: Sketchbook
What’s your motto in life?
A: Good, better, best; never let it rest, till your good is better and your better is best
Favourite thing to do on a lazy Sunday morning (if you ever have them!)?
A: I don’t really have a lazy Sunday morning but I adore my terraces, full of camellia trees and an orange walled long terrace.
What are you reading at the moment?
A: The Kite Runner
What do you wish you had more time to do?
A: Travel to amazing places and spend time with my friends
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