51Âþ»­

Iconic fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes is to donate more than 50 years’ worth of design archives for the benefit of future students at 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­). 

The legendary creative, famous for her textile prints and bright hair, announced the decision at a graduation ceremony, in which she was awarded an honorary degree. 

After more than 50 years watching models show off her striking and vibrant creations on catwalks around the world, it was on the runway of Curve theatre’s main stage that Dame Zandra was given an Honorary Doctor of Arts. 

And the 82-year-old took the opportunity to announce to a crowd of graduands and their families that she would be donating her entire archives – more than five decades’ worth of material – to 51Âþ»­, for future generations to study and draw inspiration from. 

She said: “There’s films of my shows going back to 1971, my first show at the Roundhouse in London. There’s photo record and press books stacked many feet in the air. 

“You see, I’m one of the last physical designers, in the sense that much of my work is by hand, no computers. So, it’s quite a rich record of design work, all drawing and Xerox’s.” 

Dame Zandra burst onto London’s fashion scene in the late 1960s, with designs which were considered so outrageous she found it hard, initially, to find work. 

After establishing her own studio in Paddington, West London, she released her first solo collection, which drew attention from both American and British markets. 

She was right at the centre of the subsequent punk movement, making frequent use of holes and safety pins in her designs and her reputation continued to grow, culminating in her being asked to design for Diana, Princess of Wales along with many rock icons like Freddie Mercury and Marc Bolan. 

She said: “I am towards the end of my career and I suddenly realised I had all these records. I’m something of a hoarder, really. 

“I learned about the hard work and education that De Montfort put into preserving the work of working artists and designers for future generations. 

“The facilities for students and staff are impressive. I knew I wanted to learn more about the institution and build a future connection where we will together in helping the minds of tomorrow.” 

Dame Zandra also said she respected the importance 51Âþ»­ placed on sustainability within its curriculum, particularly fashion and textile courses. 

She said: “The whole world has to think about sustainability and it is fabulous that this is happening so well at 51Âþ»­.” 

Zandra was one of three inspirational people to receive honorary degrees from 51Âþ»­ this week.  

Businessman and social justice campaigner Mark Esho MBE was made an honorary Doctor of Business Administration. 

He told graduates: “As you start your journey remember the challenges you face in life make you stronger. Turn these challenges into opportunities.  

“No matter how bleak or how bad things get, remember tomorrow is another day, you don’t know what opportunities it brings. And lastly, adversity is something that happens to you: don’t let it define you.”  

And Yasin El Ashrafi BEM, of HQ Recording studio and HQ Familia record label, was made an Honorary Doctor of Music for his work to champion and support young creatives in Leicester.  

He said: “This is a bit of a dream come true. My mission is to help as many creatives in Leicester to create more opportunities and I’m Leicester born and bred.  

“For me, it’s important I do as much as I can. Thank you to 51Âþ»­ for this honour and congratulations to everyone getting their degree today.” 

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