Zandra Rhodes Archive Opens at De Montfort University, Inspiring New Designers

De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester has launched a major public exhibition featuring the archive of celebrated British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, who donated her collection after receiving an honorary doctorate in 2023. The University Gallery will showcase Rhodes’ creative process and collaborations with brands such as Ikea, Marks & Spencer and TopShop, while the University Museum will present an in‑depth study of her 1983 Medieval Collection. Spanning 1964‑2021, the archive includes mock‑ups, final garments, sketches, fabric samples, press cuttings, photographs and audio‑visual recordings. Students across fashion, footwear, marketing and interior design modules are encouraged to work hands‑on with the materials, using them as direct inspiration for new collections and exhibitions. The initiative demonstrates how heritage collections can enrich contemporary design education and highlight the iterative nature of creative work.