Queen makes Zandra Rhodes a Dame in Birthday Honours list

British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes has been bestowed the title of Dame by Queen Elizabeth as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours. The honour of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire is one of the highest accolades the Queen can bestow and is in recognition of Rhodes’ services

to the British fashion and textiles industries.

The designer, known for her vivid prints and pink hair, became recognised in the mid-1960s for her distinctive

feminine patterns and bold use of colour, and her designs have been worn by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Diana, Princess of Wales, Jackie Onassis, and Helen Mirren.

As well as being one of Britain’s most recognisable designers, Rhodes also founded the Fashion and Textile Museum in London which opened in May 2003, a dedicated exhibition space for the work of fashion and textile designers from the 1950′s onwards.

In addition, Rhodes has been a strong supporter of Graduate Fashion Week, and was installed as the Chancellor of the University of the Creative Arts in May 2010.

Queen Elizabeth honours Zandra Rhodes

Rhodes was made a Commander of the British Empire in 1997 in recognition of her contribution to fashion and textiles and has nine honorary doctorates from universities in both the UK and USA.

A spokeswoman for Rhodes said: “Zandra is both thrilled and honoured that her work is valued by her country. She is proud of her British company and her staff and continues to design fabulous clothes and textiles that represent the UK throughout the world.”

Other fashion and retail names honoured on the list include the milliner John Boyd who was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to the fashion industry, and Michael Gutman, managing director Europe for Westfield, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to UK business and retail regeneration.