CMU School of Drama


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Zandra Rhodes' designs mirror personal style

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: The florescent pink hair gives her away.
Zandra Rhodes' locks are as vibrant as her personality -- and the clothing she designs. "People often ask me if I am dressed up for Halloween, and I tell them that I actually look like this all the time," Rhodes, the internationally renowned fashion designer, says with a smile. "I have had my share of people calling me 'Cyndi Lauper,' too, and I tell them I am old enough to be her mother. Recently, I have been stopped in airports in the U.S., and people have commented that they like my hair. So, maybe, things are changing. I think young people are more receptive to you looking different."

8 comments:

K G said...

I agree that the younger generations are more accepting of different fashions. I think it's good that Zandra Rhodes' designs measure her personal style because we create from what we know, and who do we know better than ourselves? I think this may be what has allowed her to find so much success in her career. Being comfortable wit personality through style and accepting what you as a person enjoy is and important element to growing as a designer. However, it is equally important to break out of a certain comfort zone and experience things you may be uncomfortable with. On a different note, it was cool to have Zandra Rhodes come here to speak about herself and her career. It's fortunate for us that CMU is so good about bringing in industry professionals to share their experiences.

skpollac said...

I also agree with what Zandra said about the younger generation. We are, for the most part, much more welcoming of things that are "different". Sometimes different is even praised more than being normal might have once been. I think it's wonderful that she finds such joy in seeing her pieces on stage. Im sure there is no economic necessity for her to being creating costumes for opera's when she has a resume of costumers under her belt like the ones she has. I wish I had the opportunity of meeting this wonderfully innovative and impressive designer when she visited CMU.

js144 said...

So, first off, when Zandra Rhodes came to visit CMU, I really wanted to attend her lecture but unfortunately, was unable to. Rhodes has a very interesting style, from what I can tell researching her work. The style is incredible and definitely pushing fashion in a newer direction. Some of the things that she has created are interesting in the way they are styled. The process of properly putting together the right combination of clothing is crucial to the overall look.
On top of that, she has an amazing sense of color and color combination. Her iconic look basically sums up that aspect of her as a designer. I just have so much respect for her as she divides up the fashion and costume worlds in her daily life. It is by no means easy, as similar as the two are, there are some significant difference. A costume tries not to get caught in the fashion aspect, just as a fashion piece doesn't want to look costume-like. It is the subtle differences that I feel she handles with care and does her work very gracefully.

ZoeW said...

I saw Zandra Rhodes talk and it was amazing. She is such a vibrant character. She is so positive and she is such a strong woman. She created things that were crazy when everyone was creating things that were pinned up and conservative. She said that you should do your own thing and not stop doing it no matter what people say because eventually people will catch up to you. I also loves that she gets the majority of her inspiration from traveling and seeing new cultures. Rhodes is glorious and has done so much for fashion.

abotnick said...

I was so lucky to be able to attend Zandra Rhodes' lecture last week. She is such a strong and independent designer. Her work is truly amazing and a joy to see. But hearing her talk about her work was even better. One thing she mentioned that I must try is that when she travels everyday she sits down to draw a sketch of something on her trip. I think that's a great practice and I will start to do it now as well. As artist we should always use our surroundings and travels as inspiration just as Zandra does. I'm so happy I got to meet her! She was truly amazing!

SMysel said...

When I found out Zandra Rhodes was coming to speak at CMU, I was so incredibly excited! What a great opportunity to hear from someone as talented and successful as her! This article highlights much of what she talked about while speaking at CMU, and I think the two most important things it mentions is surrounding yourself with people who support you and also to always show enthusiasm and passion. How inspirational she and her career is!

Madeline M. said...

After attending Zandra's lecture last week, I saw a new light on both fashion and costume design. Ms. Rhodes' light hearted perceptive on design and personal drive were just so inspiring to me. I did find it interesting that the author of this article used that particular quote from her about the current generations open mindedness. I feel like this is true however I don't necessarily know if that open mindedness is a positive attribute of today's society in terms of fashion. It made me question to what extent are willing to accept the absurd just because of it's absurd. Thankfully, we still have designers like Rhodes who pushes the limit with reason. But it angers me when I see designers push boundaries to just push. Have some meaning in your actions. Dye your hair pink!

DPswag said...

Ms. Rhodes seems like such a delightful person! It's essential to be different to get noticed in an industry like theater. I love hoe comfortable she is in her personal style and how she reflects it in her work. Her technique could be a very inspiring one to designers of a younger generation who are just starting out and looking for ways to get noticed for their personal aesthetic. I especially appreciate how receptive Ms. Rhodes is to the advancement of technology and the changing of style as time goes on. I think that outlook on life is what has made her career so successful.