Dame Zandra Rhodes: the fashion legend on living a life in Technicolor

Zandra's home is one of the most colourful, cluttered and downright bonkers living spaces I've ever been in. 

 

We recorded this podcast just before Christmas, so there was an extra layer of sparkle on top of the kaleidoscope. 

 

Zandra walked me through her incredible life story... from being born during an air raid in 1940, to being discovered by American Vogue's fashion editor Diana Vreeland... dressing people like Freddie Mercury, and having lunch with Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol.  

 

We discussed why she dyes her hair pink and wears flamboyant clothes, and why she's never seen herself in the mirror without makeup on.  

 

She told me about her colourful family history, including a dad she was embarrassed by, a mum who channelled all of her ambition into Zandra, and a grandmother who was murdered.  

 

Zandra's in her mid-eighties now. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer and given six months to live, so I wasn't sure quite what to expect. 

 

But I found someone who's incredibly full of life, working as hard as ever, and optimistic about the future.  

This episode was recorded in person at Zandra's home in London.

For more:

Pick up a copy of Zandra Rhodes' latest book, Iconic

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Pick up a copy of Matt Gibberd’s latest book, A Modern Way To Live

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Producer: Laconic Collective

Graphic Design: Ben Tucker

Music: Simeon Walker

This episode is sponsored by Vitsoe.

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