Iconic: The vibrant new autobiography from the legendary British fashion designer who dressed everyone from rockstars to royalty

by Zandra Rhodes, Ella Alexander

'I have always had to project the image of myself that the public knows. If you turn the lighting up and dye your hair pink, people don't seem to notice the tacky edges. I want to record an accurate, fuller picture of myself and the remarkable life I have lived so far. I don't want to let it all pass by without reflection.'Dame Zandra Rhodes has spent her life rallying against what was expected of her, both as a designer and a woman. Often too bold for the mainstream, she fought for creativity, individuality and relevance.In this insightful and vibrant memoir, Zandra shares her story for the first time. Told through a variety of mementos and curiosities collected over the course of her eight decades, it is a vibrant and colourful account filled with rockstars and royalty. But alongside those life-changing friendships with legends like Karl Lagerfeld and Divine, she offers poignant reflections on her personal triumphs and tragedies, as well as the fears, sacrifices and pressures that come with being an era-defining designer.Capturing the rich and unexpected life of a British icon, this memoir explores what it is to defy the norm.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2024

Reviews

[Martin J Saxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

ZR has been a heroine of mine for years and this book just cements that for me

A fabulous insight into her life and work

She details her working methods and style alongside the events of a creative life.

Loved the gossip-y bits and the details of the milieux she has been in

[Ninaminacat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Zandra Rhodes' novel approach to her autobiography, in which she bases each chapter around an object which is particularly meaningful to her. I felt it gave her writing a very personal touch, especially since each item is illustrated with her own line drawing; what an appropriate and imaginative way for a designer to chart her life. (Some people have commented that they had hoped for colour photos but I thought that the author's drawings were more intimate, showing how she chose to represent each object - and also encapsulating in the book an element of the artistic skills which have always played an essential part in her career.)

In case you think the framework might be restrictive, I found her choices both interesting and revealing and loved the way her personality shone through her writing. It was a little like sitting down with Zandra Rhodes for a friendly chat during which she showcased the items which meant the most to her and shared the feelings of joy, sorrow or hope which they roused in her.

All in all, I felt that the informal style of writing and the drawings - in fact, the whole concept of a life in fifty items - led to a very readable, enjoyable and informative autobiography, and one which I thoroughly recommend.

[Jemma Bartholomew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally, I found this interesting and enjoyed finding out more about the life and work of Zandra Rhodes. I knew who she was, and that she was a fashion designer, but other than that I knew nothing. Her work ethic is incredible.

My BIG criticism, is that, in a book described as "vibrant", about the life and times of a woman who is so bold and bright, and for whom colour is everything, there were no colour photos, only black & white line drawings. I'm sure there must have been an editorial meeting (or two) where this was discussed, and someone in authority held out (and ultimately triumphed) with the view that colour photos were not needed - in my humble opinion, they were wrong.

CNBC notes - Zandra Rhodes is childfree.

[Jo_Scho_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. wonderfully entertaining memoir by the infamous Zandra Rhodes. I actually didn’t know that much about her so this was a real opportunity to get to know her and the fascinating lifestyle she’s led.

I think I would have loved it more if I was into fashion and the making of clothes as, understandably, a lot of detail is shared about that.

A must for fashion fans

[Joanne Thornley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun jaunty read - a great approach to writing about one’s life - although written around objects and art and design it’s actually all about the people in her life as well as her own motivations and attitudes. A great book fascinating and even if not a designer or artist an inspiration to be true to yourself and work hard. Loved it!