She's back! Zandra Rhodes makes a VERY colourful return to London Fashion Week after more than a decade away... with Christopher Biggins on hand for support
- English designer Zandra Rhodes, 74, showcased spring/summer 2016 line
- 66-year-old actor Christopher Biggins was among celebrity supporters
- Collection featured deconstructed visors and studded trainers
Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Alexa Chung and... Christopher Biggins - the comical British actor made an unlikely appearance at the opening day of London Fashion Week for the much-anticipated Zandra Rhodes presentation.
Hobnobbing with some of the world's most stylish folk, 66-year-old pantomime star Biggins - who was dressed in a French rose-coloured suit - couldn't hide his glee as he posed in the middle of four models.
Flanked by tastemaker Hilary Alexander, fashion blogger Susie Bubble and Vogue journalists, Biggins joined excited guests in London's Cafe Royale to catch a glimpse of 74-year-old Zandra's spring/summer 2016 line.
Zandra Rhodes presented her spring/summer 2016 line at the opening day of London Fashion Week - her first appearance in 10 years
British actor Christopher Biggins couldn't hide his glee as his posed in amongst four supermodels
It is the first time the Kent-born designer, famed for sporting a striking fuschia-hued cropped bob, has showcased her designs in the capital for over a decade.
Zandra, who is applauded for her more-is-more approach to fashion, spoke about her pre-presentation nerves with The New York Times.
'I always remember heading Saint Laurent saying, "To do a collection twice a year is like having a baby",' she said. 'Like him, I haven’t had a baby, but I think it’s probably worse.'
Despite the autumnal weather, Zandra brought an air of summer fun to the hotel's gilded room thanks to her fondness for a jazzy print, bold colour palette and outlandish accessories.
Zandra, who is applauded for her more-is-more approach to fashion, told The New York Times she was nervous before the presentation
Despite the autumnal weather, Zandra brought an air of summer fun to the hotel's gilded room thanks to her fondness for a jazzy print, bold colour palette and outlandish accessories
For her latest collection, Zandra - who has been designing since the mid-1960s - took a cue from Malaysia, where she was the subject of a retrospective at the National Textile Museum in 201
The collection exploded with patterns and colours, which have become something of Zandra's signature
The range was divided into two colour palettes - on one side was Barbie-like pinks - ranging from blush to pastel and salmon, the other was a royal blue cut with zingy orange
For her latest collection, Zandra - who has been designing since the mid-1960s - took a cue from Malaysia, where she was the subject of a retrospective at the National Textile Museum in 2013.
Now she has drawn upon the country's native fabrics to produce traditional, intricate weaves.
And, true to form - the collection is exploding with patterns and colours, which have become something of her signature.
The range was divided into two colour palettes - on one side was Barbie-like pinks - ranging from blush to pastel and salmon, the other was a royal blue cut with zingy orange.
Floaty sun dresses featured feather motifs, stripes and squiggle patterns. While bejewelled accessories included wacky deconstructed visors emblazoned with Zandra's name, studded platform trainers and John Lennon-esque circle sunglasses.
Floaty sun dresses featured feather motifs, stripes and squiggle patterns, perfect for the warmer months
Bejewelled accessories included wacky deconstructed visors emblazoned with Zandra's name, studded platform trainers and John Lennon-esque circle sunglasses.
The make-up brief was clearly 'fun'. Models had Glastonbury-appropriate star-shaped jewels stuck around their eyes, each of their nails painted a different pastel colour and glossy red lips
Zandra opted for her trademark aquamarine eyeshadow, kohl eyelier and pastel pink lips
Having created clothes for the likes of Princess Diana, Helen Mirren and Diana Ross, it's clear Zandra's garments have a timeless quality
The make-up brief was clearly 'fun'. Models had Glastonbury-appropriate star-shaped jewels stuck around their eyes, each of their nails painted a different pastel colour and glossy red lips.
Zandra opted for her trademark aquamarine eyeshadow, kohl eyelier and pastel pink lips.
Having created clothes for the likes of Princess Diana, Helen Mirren and Diana Ross, it's clear her garments have a timeless quality.
Zandra's innovative approach to garment construction can be seen in her use of printed fabric dictating garment shapes, reverse exposed seams and stylistic use of jewelled safety pins and tears during the punk era.
She has stamped her identity on the international world of fashion with her spectacular pink hair, theatrical make-up and art jewellery.
Zandra's innovative approach to garment construction can be seen in her use of printed fabric dictating garment shapes, reverse exposed seams and stylistic use of jewelled safety pins and tears during the punk era
Zandra has stamped her identity on the international world of fashion with her spectacular pink hair, theatrical make-up and art jewellery
Zandra's designs aren't suitable for wallflowers due to their bold colours and quirky patterns
Speaking about working with Princess Diana, Zandra previously told FEMAIL she would head into her London store with the Duchess of York.
'At that time, Princess Diana would come into my shop with her detectives and Sarah Ferguson, who was just a friend at the time,' she said. 'Once she chose things she liked I would make up a few things then go round to the palace and fit her.'
She added: 'She always put you at ease but of course you had to courtesy - she was a princess after all.
'She was very sweet and very quiet but was often concerned about pieces not being too low or too revealing.'
Designer Zandra turned heads in a purple and grey striped dress, lilac pointed heels and statement jewellery
The fashion elite descended on the capital today for a style extravaganza featuring the latest designs from around the world
Models lips and nails were painted a zingy orange, the same colour used throughout Zandra's line
The fashion elite descended on the capital today for a style extravaganza featuring the latest designs from around the world.
The 62nd London Fashion Week officially opened at its new home in Soho's Brewer Street Car Park, having previously been held at Somerset House.
Over five days models will take to the catwalk wearing brands including Burberry and Vivienne Westwood Red Label as the 2016 spring/summer collections are showcased.
Designers including Erdem and Roksanda will celebrate their 10th anniversaries, while newcomers Le Kilt, Marques' Almeida and Phoebe English will also feature.
Zandra's collection appeared wearable thanks to the considered tailoring and figure-flattering dress lengths
Expect to see the fashion pack stepping out in kooky visors come next spring and summer
- The View mock Miss Colorado's nursing monologue
- Crazy woman blocks parking space with her body
- GRAPHIC CONTENT: Horrific assault filmed at Baltimore school
- Football player removes opponent's helmet and hits him
- Apology from The View over Miss Colorado monologue
- The world's scariest clowns have been terrifying people...
- Do NOT mess with this turtle! Snapping turtle in scary...
- Prince Harry stars in Rugby World Cup 2015 opening film
- Video posted to Facebook in 2014 shows Bella's birthday
- Furious Qatari drag racer confronted by videographer
- Jeb Bush stands up on tiptoes for CNN Debate photo
- Mysterious 'End of Times' cloud spotted in Costa Rica
- In America's most expensive city THIS is what $350K buys you...
- Baby Doe's mom and her boyfriend in custody after Boston...
- The View loses two major advertisers after mocking nurse...
- EXCLUSIVE PICTURES: Inside the life of the gangster being...
- Woman vs SUV: Parking space hogger tries blocking the...
- 'We can renegotiate if you decide you would rather be my...
- Pictured: Harry's late-night dash from 31st birthday bash...
- Outrage as Donald Trump fails to correct ignorant supporter...
- Qatari Sheikh linked to Beverly Hills street racing leaves...
- Pictured: The seven hikers swept to their deaths in Utah...
- 'Clearly the police made a mistake!': Bristol Palin is...
- 'That's not a real profession. They want to be doctors':...