Dame Zandra Rhodes becomes patron of Graduate Fashion Foundation

Graduate Fashion Foundation has announced legendary fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes DBE RDI as its new Lifetime Patron starting March 2019.

Dame Zandra is an iconic figure within the UK fashion industry, best known as a pioneer of British Punk fashion with her use of bold prints, strong feminine patterns and a theatrical use of colour.

Rhodes’ new role will enable her to become a judge for Graduate Fashion Week 2019 as well as grabbing the attention of fashion houses and retail brands to support the charity. As a Lifetime Patron, Rhodes will also help launching this year’s graduates’ careers by increasing exposure of the weeklong event and offer vital advice and guidance.

Dame Zandra said: “I have become a Patron for Graduate Fashion Foundation because I think it is a very important cause, supporting upcoming talent across the UK and internationally. My good friend Hilary Alexander asked me to get involved and it was a no-brainer! I think UK colleges are the best in the world and graduates and UK talent need this visibility which the charity offers.”

"I think UK colleges are the best in the world and graduates and UK talent need this visibility which the charity offers."

Dame Zandra Rhodes

 

Dame Zandra joined the charity as its seventh Lifetime Patron alongside Christopher Bailey CBE, Victoria Beckham OBE, Vivienne Westwood DBE RDI, and Nick Knight OBE, all appointed in 2016 as well as Diane von Furstenberg and Nadja Swarovski who were appointed in 2018.

Martyn Roberts, Managing Director of Graduate Fashion Week, commented: “We are delighted and privileged to announce that Dame Zandra Rhodes will join us as a Lifetime Patron. Zandra Rhodes' work has had a huge influence on fashion and British culture over her long-spanning career.

“Her story is an inspiration to graduates to keep persevering and proof that hard-work pays off in the industry. Her influence on the judging panel is hugely welcomed by the charity.”

Graduate Fashion Week is the world’s largest event for BA Fashion talent and this year’s event will be taking place on 2–5 June 2019 at The Old Truman Brewery, in Shoreditch, London.