Upon arrival at the Pure London in London on Monday 8th August I was greeted by hundreds of stands adorned with the latest trends, fashions, and couture. I walked passed stall after stall, all luring me in with their brightly coloured luxury garments and champagne, and approached the catwalk where Zandra Rhodes was due to be interviewed by fashion journalist extraordinaire Eric Musgrave. The lights came on and out came the international fashion icon herself, Zandra Rhodes, wearing some of her signature pieces from her new collection; the forever black wiggle earrings and heritage lady necklace and matching bracelet. Whilst introducing her coveted new designs, which have been made in collaboration with jewellery designer Adele Marie, Zandra came across as bubbly and chirpy.
Model in Zandra Rhodes Couture and Zandra Rhodes for Adele Marie jewellery
The first pieces to be showcased were the swirling heart designs from the iconic collection, which all feature a metal finish. Appearing on the catwalk stage was a model wearing a Zandra Rhodes couture pink and black flowing dress, bright pink heels, and the swirling, rhinestone clad heart necklace and earrings. These gorgeous pieces feature swirly heart shaped charms which have been designed by Zandra, made with a smooth, silver tone finish. The hearts are finished with a Zandra Rhodes signature, and the earrings feature a little initial ‘Z’ on the fastening. Zandra mentioned that all the designs from this collection were part of her own repertoire, which Adele Marie researched and adapted to make into these gorgeous jewellery pieces.
Next up was the forever wiggle design from the resin collection. The stunning model was dressed in a high neck, long sleeved purple dress finished with a cute frill along the hem; the perfect colour and style to showcase Ms Rhodes statement pieces. The model wore the large pink forever wiggle beaded necklace and twisted bangle bracelet. Zandra named these pieces as ‘happy jewels’, and I can definitely see why!
The third model was adorned with more pieces from the forever wiggle design. Paired with black trousers and a fabulous draped top was a simpler forever wiggle beaded necklace, and matching black forever wiggle earrings and bangle. Zandra also explained how she and Adele Marie delved into her old collection of designs from the 1980s and re-worked them to make more modern and contemporary pieces.
Next up a beautiful model dressed in a stunning ruffled maxi dress. The dress was accessorized with Zandra Rhodes forever wiggle black beaded chunky necklace and bracelet. Zandra said she would never design jewellery that she wouldn’t wear herself, and these pieces are definitely ones to get you noticed!
Fifth was a model wearing a long pink floaty number, paired with the single swirling heart necklace, matching bracelet, and large heart earrings from the iconic collection. The necklace shimmered with rhinestones whilst the earrings were a simpler take on the design, featuring the hearts made with a smooth silver tone finish.
Selection of 'Forever Wiggle' jewellery by Zandra Rhodes for Adele Marie
Also in the Zandra Rhodes for Adele Marie jewellery collection you’ll find gold and silver tone necklaces made with the ‘puzzle’ design which secure with a woven chain, and an extravagant multi chain necklace adorned with beads and ‘ZR’ charms which would be perfect to re-invent your outfits.
The collection launches online first at www.make-me-beautiful.co.uk and www.make-me-sexy.co.uk
Next I explored the designer stalls; gawping at fabulous crystal clad prom dresses and cooing over cute animal charm necklace and bracelets. Eventually I arrived at the Adele Marie stand in the accessories section so I could take a closer look at Zandra’s designs in the flesh. I was not disappointed; the forever wiggle bracelets had a gorgeous smooth finish and quality chunky feel to them, the layered cascade necklace looked so luxurious with its adornment of charms and beads, and the swirling heart designs immediately stole my heart!
I enjoyed pink champagne flutes and delicious pink iced designer cupcakes as I sat for afternoon tea with Zandra Rhodes and Adele Vanderkar, founder of Adele Marie jewellery designs. In case you didn’t know, Adele Vanderkar used to be the accessories buyer for Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge before she started designing her own beautiful jewellery pieces. This latest collaboration with Zandra Rhodes appears to be a match made in heaven! After discussing designs, jewellery and everything in between, I got to meet Ms Rhodes herself and can confirm she is incredibly lovely and down to earth! In fact she was absolutely fabulous!
Witten by Brigitte Swimer