Iconic

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

Brought to you by Penguin.

Dame Zandra Rhodes has spent her life rallying against what was expected of her, both as a designer and a woman. Often perceived as too bold for the mainstream, she fought for creativity and individuality, and continues to achieve both in everything she does.

In this insightful memoir, Zandra shares her life story for the first time. Told through a variety of mementos collected over the years, it is a vibrant account filled with rockstars and royalty, of life-changing friendships and poignant reflections on her personal triumphs and tragedies, as well as the fears, sacrifices and pressures that come with being an era-defining designer.

From a road trip to Rome with Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell, to opening her first London store thanks to a kind loan from Vanessa Redgrave while Joe Cocker sang With a Little Help From My Friends; from judging Andrew Logan's Alternative Miss World with David Hockney and Angie Bowie which was so packed that even David Bowie couldn't get in, to hanging out with Andy Warhol and Halston in New York's Studio 54; from friendships with legends such as Karl Lagerfeld and Diana Vreeland to designing for everyone from Freddie Mercury to Diana Ross, from Princess Diana to Barbra Streisand. Iconic gives the reader a sense of being right alongside Zandra through all the highs and lows of her extraordinary life.

Capturing the rich and unexpected life of a British icon, this memoir explores what it is to defy the norm.

‘A wonderful, fascinating, fun collection of memories and stories.' Shirley Bassey

'Dazzling from start to finish.' Joanna Lumley

‘Zandra Rhodes has changed the course of fashion history.' Suzy Menkes, fashion journalist

©2024 Zandra Rhodes and Ella Alexander (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

From the winged cape she designed for Freddie Mercury to her white Biba boots, every piece tells a memorable tale.

A vibrant account of the era-defining designer, filled with rock stars, royalty and life-changing friendships, from Karl Lagerfeld to Diana Vreeland.

Her eye for detail and extraordinary access make for delicious anecdotes ... It’s wildly maximalist, absolutely fabulous and we leave the author, as ever, living la vie en rose.

A wonderful, fascinating, fun collection of memories and stories. I have known Zandra for many years, and her passion for art shines now more than ever. We share the same sentiment... who wants to live a life without colour, music or laughter!

'The most extraordinary designer of her generation. This is a book that everyone will be absolutely taken by.'

Fun stories and memories from the fabulous Zandra! Insightful and funny reminiscences from a self-confessed hoarder.

Zandra Rhodes is a living legend and her inspirational work in fashion, deeply woven into the cultural and musical fabric of the last 50 years, is still as potent and fresh as ever. This book detailing her fascinating life and development as an artist cannot fail to ignite interest all around the world.

Zandra Rhodes has changed the course of fashion history. She has always done things in her own spirit and timing. She has never kept to the calendar.

Her fashion transcends . . . her dresses are fairytale princess dresses and every woman's fantasy, which is why everyone from Princess Anne to a Dallas socialite loves them.'

Zandra has always known the rules of good taste, and that's the only way she knew to break them so beautifully.

She’s so authentic and inspiring!

I loved it. I knew some of her story but this was an amazing way to learn about her most treasured objects and the stories behind them.