Zandra Rhodes and Celia B launch this summer’s most mood-boosting collaboration
Zandra Rhodes and Celia B have joined forces for a collection united by vibrancy, joy and print. If this summer’s grey skies feel relentless, the duo’s collaboration will provide brightening sartorial sunshine instead.
“I saw Celia's designs and immediately felt a sparkling synergy,” explains Rhodes. “They are so joyful and colourful; I knew instantly that she would love my prints and they would look wonderful on her clothes. Celia has a fabulous understanding of the Zandra Rhodes brand and its rich history. She also understands the process of designing garments with printed textiles, so working with her has been incredibly seamless and enjoyable.”
The two have a lot in common. Celia Bernardo, who launched her Spanish-based brand Celia B in 2012, also counts colour, print and textiles as her signatures. She first came across Rhodes’ distinctive work nearly 20 years ago while working as an accessories, jersey and knitwear designer at Pepe. “I was mesmerised by her, her creations, and her aesthetic,” recalls Bernardo. “She quickly became one of my design references. I love the way she works with textiles and embodies her maximalist, playful, and colourful aesthetic. Collaborating with someone who has achieved such a high level of excellence with prints is a dream come true.”
Such was the strength of their synergy that when Bernardo first met Rhodes at her London studio to discuss the collaboration, the fashion legend had already adapted the exact print – the 1971 Floral Button motif – that Bernardo had wanted to work with. “I didn’t even need to say anything,” she says, laughing. “Zandra and her team thought it aligned well with my aesthetic so they’d already reinterpreted it for the collection. That shows that we really understand each other's vision. I hope that this collaboration not only honours her work, but also inspires future designers to continue her legacy.”
Together, they reinterpreted Rhodes’ iconic prints using Bernardo’s best-selling silhouettes as a canvas. The large scale Acid Flower was developed to become a vivid three-petal daisy covering summer-ready tiered dresses, each layer separated by pointed pique binding. The Button Flower was embellished with sequins to create a scene-stealing evening dress with a ruffle trim and the Necklace print was given a 3D treatment, transforming into a colourful crochet look. “That was something I’d never done before,” says Rhodes. “The crochet pieces are unbelievable.”
The collection of 31 pieces spans attention-grabbing statement looks as well as more pared-down, but equally colourful, designs. The multi-coloured crochet dresses, slouchy jumpers and matching shorts have a holiday-ready appeal, while the tiered dresses, both printed and plain, are great summer-in-the-city style solutions. “These pieces are a must-have for your holiday and they will brighten every party,” says Rhodes. “They are ultimate day-to-night summer styles, wearable and easy.”
Zandra Rhodes x Celia B is available to shop now at celiab.com and in selected stores. Prices range from £71 for a cropped shirt to £344 for a crochet dress.
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