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
Subscribe to The Modern House newsletter for weekly interiors inspiration
Pick up a copy of Matt Gibberd’s latest book, A Modern Way To Live
Follow Matt Gibberd on Instagram
Follow The Modern House Instagram
Watch our Homing In films on YouTube
Producer: Laconic Collective
Graphic Design: Ben Tucker
Music: Simeon Walker
This episode is sponsored by Vitsoe.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.