Zandra Rhodes " Unseen" at the Fashion and Textile Museum
Zandra Rhodes is an icon of British fashion and to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey, has organised an exhibition where archive pieces, as well as her new production are on display from the 12th of July to the 31st of August. The Museum has been founded by Zandra Rhodes in May 2003 dedicated to the contemporary fashion, textiles and jewellery talents.
"Unseen" is a great display of Zandra Rhodes' world and it is possible to admire her fashion creations from the early pieces from the " Conceptual Chic" dated 1977 up to the Sketchbook collection dated 2013 called " Digital Study Collection"
This amazing dress is part of the " The Fantastic Flower Garden" dated 1988 made in beaded silk georgette with dropped waist and a beautiful puffball skirt. Some of these dresses have been seen only on the catwalk so this exhibition is a rare chance to glimpse in this amazing collection.
"Secrets of the Nile" is the evocative name for this dress dated 1987. Beaded silk georgette dress and coordinated trousers, I think that this ensemble had cause quite a stir if worn, because it is so beautiful, it looks like a piece of Egyptian jewellery, the ones on display at the British Museum.
A bride wearing this dress won't be forgotten anytime soon. From the Conceptual Chic collection in 1977 this rayon wedding dress has got a sash in satin worn as a halter neck top.
Another piece from the 1977 Conceptual Chic collection. Safety pins and chain details highlight the punk era. The dress is in rayon and the red sash is in satin.
This bust has been given to Zandra Rhodes for her 50th birthday by her friend, artist Andrew Logan. I love the mirror base with the dedication. A sculpture similar to this can be found at the National Portrait Gallery at their permanent collection.
From the Sketchbook Collection dated 2013 this polyester dress is part of the new project launched by Zandra Rhodes called " Zandra Digital Study Collection" in collaboration with the University for the Creative Arts with funding from Jisc. For further information check the website: www.zandrarhodes.ucreative.ac.uk
A visit to the Fashion and Textile Museum should be put on the diary for this "Zandra Rhodes Unseen". The shop has got several items linked to the exhibition of the Princess of Punk as Ms Rhodes has been known when the Conceptual Chic collection came out. Check times and opening hours at www.ftmlondon.org with a range of workshops and lectures about fashion and textiles. The museum is at th 83 Bermondsey Street SE1 3XF.
