Venerable fashion designer Zandra Rhodes turns her focus to crafting swim attire, even at the ripe age of 84
British Designer Zandra Rhodes Makes a Splash in Swimwear
British fashion icon Zandra Rhodes has taken a dive into the world of swimwear, collaborating with the label Oceanus to create a vibrant and eye-catching collection.
Rhodes, who founded the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, has been renowned for her unique approach to fashion since the 1970s. Her design process for the swimwear collection remains similar to her decades-old methods, involving sketching by hand and evaluating the design based on personal preference.
The collaboration with Oceanus features swimwear made from recycled materials, with psychedelic '60s and '70s prints. The collection is not confined to a specific age group, and can be styled in various ways to suit different tastes. Rhodes aims to turn beachwear into partywear, blurring the lines between resort and red carpet styles.
The swimwear collection features seashell motifs, swirling flowers, and beaded embellishments, making it glamorous and suitable for both casual and formal occasions. Rhodes could be referred to as the "pattern queen," with her signature style featuring big color and bigger personality.
Rhodes has dressed celebrities such as Freddie Mercury and Princess Diana, and her collaboration with Oceanus continues this tradition. She made a pink chiffon off-shoulder dress with pearls and a frill for Princess Diana in her early royal years.
Aside from Oceanus, there is no confirmed public record of other named swimwear collaborations by Zandra Rhodes. However, there is mention of another upcoming or brewing capsule collection featuring ultra-luxe beaded swimsuits, bikinis, and dresses inspired by '60s glamour and '70s attitude, but this collaboration partner or brand is not explicitly named.
Zandra Rhodes continues to have numerous exhibitions and collaborations, with two major exhibitions planned in the UK. One of the exhibitions will feature over 50 historical dresses at The Holburne Museum in Bath, while the other will host the complete records of Zandra Rhodes' company's collaborations at De Montfort University.
Despite the popularity of the "quiet luxury" trends, Zandra Rhodes remains baffled by them. She prefers to focus on creating a theatrical experience rather than tanning, and her swimwear collection is no exception.
Zandra Rhodes' schedule remains packed, starting her mornings at 8am in her studio below her flat, which is perched atop London's Fashion and Textile Museum. Rhodes has no intentions of slowing down, and we can expect to see more exciting collaborations and designs from her in the future.
[1] https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/zandra-rhodes-swimwear-oceanus-collaboration-swimsuits [2] https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/jul/08/zandra-rhodes-swimwear-collection-oceanus [3] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9703751/Zandra-Rhodes-makes-splash-swimwear-Oceanus-collaboration.html [4] https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/fashion/news/zandra-rhodes-swimwear-oceanus-collaboration-b2008841.html [5] https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2022-menswear/zandra-rhodes
- Zandra Rhodes' latest endeavor, a swimming fashion collaboration with Oceanus, doesn't just cater to the realm of health-and-wellness but extends to the realms of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and even healthier choices, as the collection uses recycled materials.
- In the future, as Zandra Rhodes continues to deliver captivating fashion collections, such as her swimwear collaboration with Oceanus, we might observe a blurring of lines when it comes to aging and the perception that beachwear must only serve the purpose of health-and-wellness – she's revolutionizing swimwear to become a popular choice for both casual and formal occasions, effectively bridging the gap between health-and-wellness, aging, and the world of science (environmentally-friendly materials) with style and glamour.
