British designer Zandra Rhodes coming to Southern California May 2nd

British Designer Zandra Rhodes Photo:  Gene Nocon

Outrageous.  Flamboyant.  Completely over the top.  These are just a few adjectives that have been used to describe British Designer Zandra Rhodes.  The designer who was once called the “Princess of Punk,” Rhodes has designed for celebrities like Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Freddie Mercury, Sarah Jessica Parker, Bianca Jagger, the late Isabella Blow and many others.   The iconic designer is coming to Southern California on May 2nd as part of Britweek.

Ms. Rhodes will be in Laguna as part of Britweek on May 2nd.  Tickets are available here. Her vintage pieces have long been collected by Tom Ford and Anna Sui and have been worn by Kelly Osborne, Ashley Olsen, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.  Vintage Zandra Rhodes sells on eBay now for inflated prices.  Ms. Rhodes has pioneered many innovations in fashion including placing seams on the outside of a garment (her dino coat) and using beaded safety pins (pre-Versace using pins on dresses.)

More recently, Ms. Rhodes has been designing her first leather handbag collection for QVC UK at recessionista prices. The bags are very classic, and nothing like her work during the punk era. Her QVC Zoe bag  with blue piping accents on cream looks very upscale.  For evening, she has designed a golden seashell bag that reminds me of Lulu Guinness’ whimsical touch.  Her Ellie Shoulder Bag looks like a luxury bag.

Zandra Rhodes Ellie Shoulder Bag