49 - Zandra Rhodes London.

Zandra Rhodes London. A Zandra Rhodes ivory and gold evening gown, of romantic full-length form, the fitted bodice worked with gold floral lace over an ivory ground, with a softly shaped neckline, gathered floral details to the shoulders and sheer lace sleeves; the voluminous gathered skirt printed throughout with gold ornamental motifs, accompanied by a long embroidered tulle sash or scarf; labelled Zandra Rhodes London. Please note that the sizing label of the lot is missing; please contact the relevant department for further information. Grade B Provenance: An important private collection. Notes: Zandra Rhodes’ approach to fashion is rooted in textile design. Trained at the Royal College of Art, she began creating garments as a means of giving her distinctive prints their fullest expression, making pattern integral to the identity of the finished dress. Her eveningwear offers a particularly expressive setting for this approach, allowing ornament to unfold across generous silhouettes. The present gown combines an ivory ground with gold floral lace and ornamental printed motifs, creating richness through the relationship between colour, texture and pattern. The fitted bodice provides definition, while the voluminous gathered skirt gives the printed decoration space to develop across its folds. Sheer lace sleeves and gathered floral details at the shoulders soften the silhouette and reinforce its romantic character. The accompanying embroidered tulle sash or scarf introduces a further translucent layer, extending the decorative effect beyond the gown itself. Together, these elements illustrate the importance of the textile surface to Rhodes’ aesthetic: the fabric supplies both the visual character of the ensemble and much of its sense of occasion.