Sitting down with CT for a chat, the 86-year-old designer says, “It was a new adventure for me to put my prints onto something.
“It would be wonderful if I got to do something in Bollywood,” says legendary British fashion and textile designer Zandra Rhodes, who recently visited Chennai to unveil a collection of pashmina shawls featuring her hand-drawn prints. It was a lovely idea and I enjoyed doing it.”
Having been associated with Indian fashion since the 1980s, Zandra says, “India is a land of contrast, change, colour and beauty. On adapting to the changing times, she says, “I think we all change gradually. During her time in Chennai, she met friends and tried out local food. “I hope I’ll be coming back and forth. I love South Indian food, especially coconuts,” she shares. It’s wonderful how the country has been able to use its crafts and expand on fashion. There is nothing like Indian craftsmanship. It’s most important to make sure that India realises it and doesn’t let AI take over. The country must recognise how wonderful it is that people are using their hands to create. ” Having seen and shaped fashion across decades, Zandra considers the 1970s as her favourite fashion decade. One minute, miniskirts are in. Another minute, it’s shoulders. That’s the exciting, changing face of fashion.”