Take a journey with me — to the United Kingdom, 1967 when Zandra Rhodes’ opened her first shop, and London was never quite the same again. And how could it be? Zandra Rhodes’ designs, once described as “too outrageous by the traditional British manufacturers,” are as dramatic, glamorous, and extroverted as her personality. (She’s got bright pink hair, readers.)

Rhode’s prints are bold. Her use of color is theatrical. And outrageous or not, Zandra Rhodes has made her mark in the fashion world, winning titles such as Designer of the Year and Royal Designer for Industry. She’s styled stars as classy as Diana, Princess of Wales and Jackie Onassis, and as trendy as Paris Hilton and Kylie Minogue. Today, her work is sold around the world. But not just clothes. No, Rhodes’ talents have seeped into various industries, such as designing sets and costumes for the opera, china for Royal Doulton, furs for Pologeorgis in New York, even a makeup line with MAC. Not too bad for someone once described as “too outrageous.”

For those of you interested in meeting Rhodes, the Pasadena Museum of History has made it possible–Saturday, October 26th, Rhodes will appear at Trattoria Neapolis (336 S. Lake Ave.), where you will have the opportunity to mingle and converse with this style superstar. Lunch is $30 for members of the museum and $35 for non-members. And let me tell you, it’s worth it–not only will you get to interact with an international designer, but you’ll also be tasting the food of award-winning chef Bryant Wigger. Yum.

Saturday, October 26th: 12:30. Gorgeous setting. Delicious food. Legendary company. What could be better? Purchase tickets here.

Images (clockwise): Zandra Rhodes by Gene Nocon; Indian portrait, 1982: Zandra Rhodes; Pink Mane Portrait, 1982, by Robyn Beeche.
slide graphic courtesy of nogoodforme.filmstills.org