A Welsh holiday more than 50 years ago inspired a top fashion designer’s first collection.
Zandra Rhodes, known worldwide for her ornate creations and vibrant textile prints, said that the landscape of Tregaron in Ceredigion was the inspiration for her 1969 collection, The Knitted Circle.
Zandra, who has designed costumes for Elizabeth Taylor, Freddie Mercury and Princess Diana, visited the town with presenter Janet Street-Porter and her then-husband Tim.
“I was inspired by the Welsh landscape to design a knitted floral print which I then fashioned into an evening dress,” she told BBC Radio Wales’ Lucy Owen.
“Tim Street Porter’s parents had a house in Tregaron and I used to bake bread there and be surrounded by greenery. Being surrounded by wildflowers, trees and the river is very peaceful.”
“It’s so beautiful, it makes me want to paint it.”
The Welsh-inspired collection marked the start of a successful career for Zandra which has spanned decades and seen her dress a host of celebrities including Welsh singer legend Shirley Bassey.
“She came into my shop and I made her a beautiful long beaded seashell dress with a train,” she said.
“In another piece I did, she had a beaded hat with a New York city motif that looked really good on her.
“She performed at Carnegie Hall and introduced me from the stage. It was an amazing experience to perform in such a large auditorium.”
Zandra Rhodes at the launch party for her autobiography, “Iconic” [Getty Images]
Their collaboration blossomed into a dynamic working relationship, creating many of Ms. Shirley’s iconic stage costumes.
“She’s doing really well. She’s just so wonderful, so natural and so much fun to organize.”
“I think everyone I’ve ever done costume work for comes to you because they’ve seen your work and feel like you can do something that will highlight their personality and make them look great.”
In Zandra’s new autobiography, Iconic, Shirley says: “We feel the same way. Who wants to live a life without colour, music and laughter?”
Wales not only inspired Dame Zandra’s first collection, but also immortalised her in a vibrant sculpture by her close friend Andrew Logan, on display at the Andrew Logan Sculpture Museum in Powys.
“Andrew and I went to India and saw this adorable rocking doll there and he created a giant doll of me wearing a green crinoline with a red and pink paisley pattern,” Ms Zandra said.
“They’re swaying and dancing around the museum. It’s so cool.”
Zandra says she is most proud of the fact that she still continues to design from her London studio.
She was treated for cancer four years ago and is still undergoing immunotherapy.
Now the designer is working to ensure his work can be enjoyed by future generations.
Her legacy lives on in art galleries in New York, Los Angeles and her own Fashion & Textile Museum in London.
But what message does she want to send when we dress?
“Never feel intimidated about wearing color or jewelry,” Ms. Zandra said.
“It cheers you up in the world, and it makes you not worry when people see you.”
“You’re just a lovely flower passing by.”
