Zandra Rhodes
Zandra Rhodes, CBE, is an iconic fashion institution, debuting a brand new handbag collection in Autumn/Winter 2010.
Born in Chatham, Kent, UK in 1940 Zandra Rhodes was introduced to the world of fashion by her mother, a fitter for the Paris fashion House of Worth and later lectured at Medway College of Art. Zandra Rhodes studied at Medway College of Art in Rochester and then at the Royal College of Art in London. Her major area of study was printed textile design, an aspect fashion design for which she has become internationally renowned.
In 1967 Zandra Rhodes opened her first shop; The Fulham Road Clothes Shop in London with Sylvia Ayton. Zandra was also given her own area in Fortnum and Mason, London. In 1975 she founded her own shop off Bond Street, London where the rich, famous and fashionable bought and wore her clothes.
Zandra Rhodes lifestyle is as dramatic, glamorous and extrovert as her designs. With her bright pink hair, theatrical make-up and art inspired jewellery, she has stamped her identity on the international world of fashion. She was one of the new wave of British Designers who put London at the forefront of the international scene in the 1970s. The unique use of bold prints, fiercely feminine patterns and theatrical use of colour has given the Zandra Rhodes garments a timeless quality.
Throughout her careers Zandra Rhodes has designed for clients as diverse as Diana, Princess of Wales, Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Freddie Mercury and Isabella Blow. Zandra continues to clothe and design the rich and famous around the world from Royalty to Rock Stars including; HRH Princess Michael of Kent, Debbie Harry, Bianca Jagger, Kylie Minogue, Anastasia, Paris Hilton and Joan Rivers. Zandra Rhodes vintage pieces have long been collected by Tom Ford and Anna Sui and have been worn by Kelly Osborne, Ashley Olsen, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.
Zandra Rhodes collections are sold in the top stores and boutiques around the world, but her work does not just stop with dresses and printed textiles, it also encompasses various exciting licenses including Greetings Cards, Tableware and Giftware for Royal Doulton, Shoes for Strutt Couture, furs for Pologeorgis in New York, an Outdoor and Leisure Collection for Millets, Blacks Leisure Group and currently and expensive clothing collection, accessories, bed linen and china tableware for Marks and Spencer. She has also collaborated with MAC to produce a limited edition make-up range and now the latest addition to her growing portfolio is the Autumn/Winter Handbag Collection 2010.
Zandra Rhodes was made a Commander of the British Empire in 1997 in recognition of her contribution to fashion and textiles, has nine honorary doctorates and has been made the first Chancellor of the University of the Creative Arts (Kent).
Zandra Rhodes was named Designer of the Year in 1972.
In 1974 she was made the Royal Designer for Industry.
Officially opened the Fashion and Textiles Museum in 2003.
Awarded a CBE in 1997 for contribution to fashion and textiles.
The Rubber Cow Company
London based handbag brand; The Rubber Cow Co, was launched in 2008. The brands aim is to offer eye-catching, design-led arm candy that is also animal-friendly. At the soul of all of the bags produced by the Rubber Cow Company is the clear message to Protect Animals and Respect their Lives. The company philosophy is ‘we do not need to kill animals and use their skin to have fabulous handbags.’ Whether a person is vegetarian or not the Rubber Cow Company want you to have the choice and be able to choose fashion without cruelty.
The Rubber Cow Company’s mission is to earn Animal Friendly products the same ethical significance that is currently given to Fair Trade, Recycled or Organic goods.
Don’t think that because the Rubber Cow Company produces ethical and animal friendly products you will be skimping on style as this collection of handbags has plenty of style and is always on the look out for future fashion styles.
Nica Handbags
The first collection of Nica handbags was launched in 2005. Nica has since set the standard for individuality with an emphasis on strong colours, whimsical prints, quirky flourishes and beautiful fabrics whilst ensuring that each handbag retains it usability.
The 2005 launch was Nca Kims dream come true. Nica Kim, the designer behind the Nica brand, was studying at the London College of Fashion, where she won a competition to spend a week working with the design team at the handbag specialists Creative Ltd. The design team were so impressed with Nicas design skills and the creativity that the template for the new brand Nica was set.
Five years on from the launch of the Nica brand, there have been eight Nica collections. Due to the fantastic blend brilliant design and affordability. Nica has achieved instant success within the UK’s handbag market. The Nica brand is currently sold in over 400 retail outlets just in the UK, these range from fashion boutiques to leading department stores. The Nica collection is currently the largest independent handbag range sold in Topshop.
Nica is also a popular brand within the International Fashion Market, the brand is currently sold in 25 countries around the world including USA, Japan, UK, Australia and Nica’s home country of Korea. Nica is constantly improving its international awareness by showcasing at key international trade fairs and attracting new customers worldwide.
Nica strives to create products that evoke happy memories, this is achieved by the inspiration of the vibrancy of old town streets and the romanticism of aged photographs. Nica Kim enjoys sumptuous fabrics with charming detailing and kitsch prints which allows the Nica customer to carry her own little peice of accessible art wherever she goes.
Nica handbags are created with the purpose of helping women express their individuality and as a result the brand appeals to customers of all ages and styles. A typical Nica customer enjoys trend-led fashion while standing out of the crowd with an individual flair.
In 2010 Nica will celebrate their 5th birthday with what hopes to be their most ambitious collection to date. The new season will also see the launch of three new projects; Nica Play which is a fun, fabric based collection, Nica Kim which is the brands first ever leather range and finally a vintage inspired jewellery collection.
