BEDTIME STORIES WITH ZANDRA RHODES

Q1.Your work is some of the most radical and distinctive. How do you keep challenging yourself with new ideas and patterns?

I love the world of printed textiles. It has been my life for sixty years! I draw in my sketchbook things that I see, experiences I have – travels I am lucky enough to go on! Travel is a huge inspiration to me. I have just got back from a week’s sketching trip to Ireland where I spent long balmy days on a boat with the wonderful etcher Norman Ackroyd… we both got so much out of the trip! In relation to this collection with Lola & Veranda, my Banana Leaf print is a good example of this – I was on a trip to Mexico and I spotted them out of my hotel window!

Q2. How does your Lola & Veranda collection differ from some of your previous work?

Every collection and collaboration that I do, I try to rethink a new approach to the best of Zandra Rhodes classic designs – I suppose you could say I am making my archive current and updating it to the present day! These prints have been in my archive for over forty years, so I like to think redeveloping them with fabulous companies such as Lola & Veranda shows their timeliness and relevance!

Q3. How would you describe your Lola & Veranda collection in 5 words?

Happy, Airy, Livable, Colorful and Dreamy!

Q4. What’s your secret to a good night’s sleep?

I have never valued my sleep as much as I do now. The pandemic taught me to rest more and appreciate the value of a good sleep. Before, I would sleep a minimal amount of hours a night – now I try to get the recommended 7-8. The secret to a good night’s sleep is a good mattress, fabulous bed linen and a dreamy bedroom setting! I have been redecorating my room to accompany my special Lola & Veranda linens!

Q5. What can Lola & Veranda subscribers expect when they order your collection?

Lola & Veranda subscribers can expect some traditional Zandra Rhodes prints – something eye-catching and conversation starting! A colorful statement to rule their bedroom!

Q6. How can Lola & Veranda subscribers incorporate your collection into their bedroom aesthetic? Any interior decor suggestions?

I think weaving block colors into your interiors to break up the print heavy duvet covers, pillowcases and sheets could be a fab introduction to using my prints in your bedroom!

Q7. What new designs and drops can Lola & Veranda subscribers look forward to in the future?

The sky’s the limit! I would love to come back and design more collections for Lola & Veranda – a Zandra Rhodes bedroom feast! The process has been so wonderful and working with special suppliers in Portugal and India using the best of the best in luxury fabrics and manufacturing has been such a pleasure.

Q8. How would you describe your “perfect home”?

A perfect home is one you can truly be yourself in and let your creativity flow throughout the decor and aesthetic. That way, you can really relax and be yourself in your space!

Q9. What advice do you have for people who are afraid of adding too much color to their space?

Start with things that can be interchangeable such as your bedsheets – that way, you haven’t made a massive commitment and there is less pressure! You can experiment and then know what you like to live with!

Q10. Many young artists and designers look up to you. What is the best piece of advice you have received that you would like to pass on to them?

Stay true to yourself and never give up. When I first started out, I was told my designs were too extreme to be used on clothing – I initially went down the home furnishings route to keep it ‘safe’ as furnishing fabrics could always be more experimental. But look at me now – doing both and so much more!!