Dame Zandra Rhodes, the celebrated British fashion designer known for her kaleidoscopic prints and punk-infused aesthetic, has expressed a desire to design for Catherine, Princess of Wales. However, Rhodes indicated that a commission would necessitate a departure from her signature vibrant hues, suggesting the Princess's style is "subtler than that." Rhodes, herself an icon with a history of distinctive hair and bold designs, has previously dressed royalty, notably Princess Diana, on multiple occasions.
Rhodes' past work with Princess Diana involved creating several original garments, including a white silk-chiffon gown featuring her 'buttons-and-bows' motif and delicate pearl embellishments. Another noted piece was a white wrap dress, designed with a specific concern for practicality: ensuring it wouldn't inadvertently reveal the Princess's legs when exiting a vehicle. This attention to detail highlights the nuanced relationship between designer and royal client, navigating public image with personal requirements.
Rhodes' connection with Princess Diana dates back to the mid-1980s, when the Princess is said to have visited Rhodes' Bond Street boutique unannounced. Their collaboration resulted in an estimated five commissioned dresses over the years. Rhodes even attended Princess Diana's funeral, a testament to their proximity. More recently, an off-white version of a dress Rhodes designed for Diana's 1980s trip to Kyoto was worn by actress Suki Waterhouse, who noted it retained a "princess" feel despite being a different iteration.
The designer, now 84, has recently turned her attention to swimwear, bringing her distinctive style to a new medium. Rhodes, who founded London's Fashion and Textile Museum, maintains an active presence in her studio. Her career, spanning over six decades, has seen her dress a variety of notable figures, including Freddie Mercury, Diana Ross, and Jackie Kennedy. Her work has been celebrated in exhibitions, showcasing pieces from across her 50-year career.
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Rhodes' reflections on dressing Princess Diana also touch upon the Princess's personal style and potential struggles. She has described Diana as having "her own little ways of not conforming" and suggested the late Princess received a "raw deal" in her personal life, implying a lack of romantic fulfillment. The designer's perspective offers a glimpse into the complexities of royal life and public perception as viewed through the lens of fashion. Rhodes' memoir, "Iconic: My Life in Fashion," further explores these relationships and career milestones through fifty significant objects.
