What final-year students found in Zandra Rhodes’ archives
Publication date:
Ravensbourne University London’s final-year Fashion students have been working with the Zandra Rhodes team to synthetise Zandra’s research, print and zero waste pattern cutting principles to create their own individual interpretations.
Zara Rhodes Rave Fashion photos
ZR26 cailin 3 by Ben Peters
ZR26 Jasmine Owton by Ben Peters
ZR26 kolmonique 2 by Ben Peters
ZR26 Summer 3 by Ben Peters
Students featured: Sarah Adimi, Summer Bucknell-Hughes, Lauren Cave, Deborah Fruchter, JJ Groves, Caitlin Herbert, Eve Morell, Jasmine Owton, Alkistis Papantoniou, Kolmonique Veasna
Zandra Rhodes quote
It was wonderful to visit Ravensbourne and see how the BA Fashion students have been interpreting my unique approach to print and pattern cutting within their own design identities. It was their first time discovering how print can act as a structural influence on garment shape to make clothes sing with life on the body. I was really impressed by the passion and professionalism they brought to the project. It was fabulous to hear from several students about how much they enjoyed the process and what they learnt.”
The Fashion department have reimagined the production process to showcase the new Mimaki large format digital printer from RA Smart. This allowed students to create custom fabric lengths more efficiently and economically. Unlike transfer printing which requires over 50% synthetic fibre content, the direct to textile technique is colourfast ,and works on natural fibres such as cotton, silk and bamboo. There is also no chemical or dye washing off compared to traditional screen-printing, so less mess as well!
The project launched in January with a masterclass from textile designer Hayley Cowling, followed by a BTS visit of the ZR lots at Bonhams auction house with Zandra Rhodes Foundation Director Piers Atkinson, plus a personalised tour of the Bermondsey head office with Studio Manager Lottie McCrindell.
Students have combined archive print templates ‘circle’ and ‘turnaround’ with two iconic colour palettes and their own research themes. They have realised one look each from their capsule collections, showcasing their personal identity whilst retaining a clear relationship with Zandra Rhodes archives. The completed range was showcased at the Ravensbourne Graduate Showcase Catwalk event on 4th June 2026.
Thida Hawkins quote
What an incredible opportunity for students to present to Dame Zandra Rhodes in person! A fashion and textile design icon who has been blessing us with her vibrant designs for more than five decades. Students have been challenged to think and design in an unconventional way, considering traditional methodologies and updating them to work with contemporary digital production. It’s great to see the blend of craft and technology being realised as we start to manufacture the textiles and final garments. Thanks to Piers Atkinson, Senior Lecturer, Department of Fashion Ravensbourne University and also Director of the Zandra Rhodes Foundation, for the introductions.”
This collaboration continues to demonstrate Ravensbourne’s commitment to industry-engaged learning, giving students the opportunity to work alongside leading practitioners and develop work for real-world contexts.
Find out more about our Ravensbourne Fashion courses here.
