I stumbled upon Zandra Rhodes while researching vintage textile books in college one day. Ms. Rhodes was definitely no ordinary woman in fashion, more like a staple icon and has majorly influenced the way textiles are being designed today. She was introduced to the world of fashion by her mother, who was a fitter in a Paris fashion house and a teacher at Medway College of Art. Rhodes’ own lifestyle has proved to be as dramatic, glamorous and extrovert as her designs. With her bright pink hair (later changed to a pink and sometimes red or other colours), theatrical makeup and art jewelry, she stamped her identity on the international world of fashion.

Mostly known for vintage designs – origami-folded coats and layered caftans that fetch $1,200 to $6,000 – are catnip to collectors, and have turned up at red-carpet events on personalities as disparate as Helen Mirren and Kate Moss.

In recent seasons, interpretations of Rhodes’ prints have surfaced on the runways of Dior, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton and Fendi. This month interpretations of her looks found their way into Fashion Rocks, the fashion and music magazine from the publishers of Vogue.

LOUD, PINK, IN YOUR FACE. WE LOVE.

Filed under women you need to know about:
I stumble upon fascinating women from time to time while researching for our upcoming collections. I recently found Ms. Penny Arcade who isn’t your average cultural pop legend icon from New York (as the late Andy Warhol or Edie Sedgwick). It is impossible to describe the juggernaut that is Penny Arcade without entering the world of hyperbole that she not only inhabits, but also personifies. Since first climbing out of her bedroom window at age 13 to join the fabulously disenfranchised world of queers, junkies, whores, stars, stalkers and geniuses, she has become one of the most influential performers in the world. By fearlessly displaying her singular brand of feminist sexuality and personal conflict she has garnered countless fans worldwide with an emotionally and intellectually charged performance style. It was also in 1990 that she created her most famous work, her sex and censorship show, BITCH!DYKE!FAGHAG!WHORE! …a blend of political humanism, freedom of expression and erotic dancing, BITCH!DYKE!FAGHAG!WHORE! toured the world twice both as an international festival as well as a commercial hit in 20 cities around the world. We approve!

Listen to this:
Penny Arcade’s Rebellion Cabaret – Penny Arcade and Chris Rael
Live performance recorded January 2005 at Fez, New York City