I have soft spot for Zanda Rhodes. I'm not sure whether it's because of her over-the-top designs, not to mention her ever so real looking dog bag or the fact that Jill and I met when interviewing her a couple of years back.
The Independent caught up with the designer to talk style icons and her infamous make-up looks.
What are you wearing right now?
This minute in the day, I am wearing my M&S black-and-white rose satin jumpsuit with matching blouse and lots of jewellery, bracelets, rings and brooches. For the evening, a printed corset dress, or a chiffon top over flared trousers, with Zandra Rhodes platforms from the Strutt collection.
Who's your style icon?
Me! Otherwise what am I designing for?
What can't you live without?
I need my eye make-up, my trademark pink hair and lots of beautiful Andrew Logan jewellery.
Describe the best outfit you have ever worn.
My gold, pleated Elizabethan outfit with a pannier skirt, which I wore when I flew to Australia to open a show for Kerry Packer [the late Australian media mogul]. Or the low-backed beaded dress which I had on when I did 'This is your Life.'
What's in your wardrobe?
Jeans hand drawn by me in gold, Zandra Rhodes printed T-shirts and various favourite pieces from many of my different collections!
What is in your make-up bag?
Zandra Rhodes MAC eyeshadow in bright turquoise, Zandra Rhodes MAC lipstick in Morange, a soft black eyeliner pencil and some blusher.
If you could live in any decade, style-wise which would it be?
Either now or the Seventies. Any time when I can blossom in all my floral textile prints. I like my clothes to have a flowing silhouette.
How often do you look in the mirror?
Twice a day properly. In the morning before work and around 7pm when I am getting ready to go out. I do look in the mirror during the day for my work to see how a textile drapes around the body or how a new design would look when printed. But this is when I am designing, not being vain!
Any fashion confessions you want to share with us?
My designs look wonderful on all sorts of different people. I especially enjoy dressing larger people and knowing I can make them feel and look fabulous! This is why I love designing for Opera – for all the wonderful larger-than-life people that work in that industry.
What's your secret style tip?
Do everything with style, confidence and panache. Never be a victim! Find the things about yourself that you think are best and play these up. I feel good when my hair is pink, and I am always dramatically made up. I love wonderful patterns that flow around my body, and disguise it, such as a chiffon kaftan.
