Zandra Rhodes AW19 at London Fashion Week

‘The Golden Hour’: Autumn Winter 2019. The time before sunset, the period when the sun is lowest in the sky; colours become warmer and the Zandra woman becomes even more empowered.

 The season’s shapes draw inspiration from Victoriana – incorporating elegant pearl cuffs and delicate waistlines.

 Flamenco style ruffles adorn the garments in true Zandra style. 

For AW19 looks are tiered and extra frou frou.

 The colour palette is an ode to adding warmth to the colder months.

 Sangria and Straw earth tones partner with rich hues in chiffon and shimmer satin.

 The two-piece is reintroduced into this collection for the versatile woman, taking power dressing to new heights as eveningwear.

 Basking in the glow of the sunset, the Zandra Rhodes woman is ready for anything day or night.

 Jewellery: Andrew Logan
 Shoes: Midnight 00
Socks: Sock Shop and UK Tights

Shoes: Gina
Gloves: Gizelle Renne

QVC - Breast Cancer Care Limited Edition Fashion & Jewellery Pieces

Available for a limited time starting 16 Oct on the Breast Cancer Care show, QVC Channel

Click here for QVC Breast Cancer Care link=

Rising Stars - Women's Fashion Graduate Student Designers

This year the rising stars of the womenswear graduate student designers are:

Shining brightly is Kirandeep Bassan from Northampton University with a colourful collection that won her the Zandra Rhodes Textile Awards at the Graduate Fashion Show this year.

The main colour palette was of just three bright colours (orange, blue and yellow) but variations of shades gave depth and the illusion of many more.  Prints were everywhere right down to the high wedge clogs. 

 Texture was key as though the prints were exposing numerous layers of paint and brush strokes under a peeling surface.  Larger and smoother colour blocks became the canvas for contrasting shapes of circles and panels.

Thea Saunders of Nottingham Trent University knits together texture and colour  and won the Stuart Peters Knitwear Award

 Patterns clashed wonderfully together ranging from period, classic and contemporary. Yellow woollen shag pile adorned chunky cable short jackets like swirling gold baroque embroidery, whilst multi coloured shag piles created an unfinished tapestry effect on a slimmer digital patterned jumper.

Straight skirts and dresses knitted in an abstract and coloured take on the classic houndstooth were worn with jumpers in futuristic computer grid patterns.

Hannah Williams of UCA Epsom won the womenswear award with her minimalistic collection in pale pastels and neutrals. 

 Latex fabrics, frayed hems and simple loose cuts gave the collection a simplistic first impression.

But on closer inspection these shapes were like rubber casts ready to create another style as tactile trompe l’oeil brought a subtle 3D dimensional outline of lady like jackets with strings of pearls and an oversized zip fronted dress.  

Lauren Smith of Edinburgh College of Art won the prestigious George Gold award at the Graduate Fashion Show plus £20,000 prize money. 

Air bubble designs, appliqué doodles, oversized coloured paper clips on exaggerated A line tunics with patch pockets, coloured metal eyelets and coloured thread trimmings and wide bell sleeves gave a feeling of childlike innocence and dreams.

 Tulle mid calf skirts in neon yellow and pale blue added a light hearted flirty touch to this feminine collection.

QVC introduces Zandra Rhodes bag collection

QVC has introduced a new collection of handbags from Zandra Rhodes.

Above is the Elenore clutch bag - wing shaped with shimmering faux snake skin panels.
Here shown in cream but also available in black and teal

Click here for QVC link to Elenore clutch bag

With prices ranging from £40 to £250, this collection offers fashionable yet affordable handbags, finished with tasteful touches of gold trim, tassels and detailed stitching.

Above is the Godiva clutch bag in embossed faux snake skin. Already a waitlist for it. In black or gold.

Click here to go on waitlist for Godiva clutch

“This collection is eclectic as ever with the designs featuring everything from dandelion, rose & stripe print clutch bags to a colourful mix of leather handbags and satchels. I am delighted to be launching this handbag collection with QVC, and believe this is a great platform to reach out to a new, ever growing customer base” - Zandra Rhodes

Above is the Poppy shoulder bag in faux crocodile. In purple or black

Click here to QVC for Poppy shoulder bag

Zandra studied printed textile design at the Royal College of Art in London.

Above is the large leather tote bag with contrasting piping. In cream or black (black on waitlist)

Click here to QVC leather tote bag

To see more of QVC Zandra Rhodes collection click here

 

Zandra has designed for a diverse range of clients including Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Freddie Mercury and the rock group ‘Queen’. Additionally, Zandra’s vintage pieces have been worn by the likes of Ashley Olsen, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

New TKMaxx Flagship Store at Charing Cross Road, London

TKMaxx's new flagship store has opened at 120 Charing Cross Road, London.

The VIP preview night saw the staff dancing away on small podiums whilst modelling the clothes. Some near the windows had the passer bys looking bewildered or amused as they watched the dancing from the outside.

Champagne flowed as we were allowed to roam around and try the new stock. The first floor was the womenswear (handy for the champagne and canopies)
New fashion department Mod Box took a third of the space with their hot trend of the month “Varsity”.

Gold Label (expensive designer gear even with the TKMaxx discount) took a double rail. Saw a fantastic Jill Sander black jacket, but alas had to put it back when I saw the bargain price of £299.


The first floor was dedicated to shoes, handbags, lingerie, beauty products and kiddies wear. To get over the shock of picking up a £450 Mui Mui handbag (why am I attracted to the most expensive??), I sat down whilst the pamper girls gave me a mini manicure and make-up.

Feeling refreshed and with a new glass of champagne I climbed up to the top floor to find the men's section ranging from shoes, accessories,sports tees to smart suits.


Finally surfacing from all the rummaging around, I spied a few celebrities - Julie Peasgood (a regular on the Alan Titchmarsh show) in the beauty section and Zandra Rhodes queueing at the till point.

Written by Karen Grace, personal shopper for www.frumpytofunky.com