UKICC Celebrates Dame Zandra Rhodes at De Montfort University
On Friday, 25 September 2026, the UK India Creative Circle (UKICC) was delighted to join and support the opening of Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded at De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester.
The exhibition celebrates six decades of the extraordinary career of Dame Zandra Rhodes, one of Britain’s most distinctive and influential fashion and textile designers. Drawing on her extensive personal archive, it explores her creative journey through fashion, textiles, design, collaborations and performance. (De Montfort University)
For UKICC, the exhibition represents much more than a celebration of British fashion. It also reflects the deep and enduring creative relationship between the UK and India.
Dame Zandra has long been inspired by India’s extraordinary traditions of craft, colour and textiles. Over many decades, she has travelled extensively across India, building connections with artisans and drawing inspiration from their craftsmanship.
Her work demonstrates the power of creative exchange — bringing together British design with India’s rich heritage of textiles, materials, colour and craftsmanship.
Dame Zandra Rhodes said:
“I formed the foundation when I realised my extensive archive could do so much more than sit in personal storage, unseen by anyone beyond my studio team. After learning about the university’s special collections and its impressive facilities and opportunities available to students and staff, I knew I wanted to build a connection with the institution to help inspire the creative minds of today and tomorrow.” (De Montfort University)
Creativity Beyond London
Dame Zandra’s story also highlights the importance of recognising creative talent across the UK. Having grown up in Kent, she has long understood that creativity is not limited to London.
While the capital remains an important industry hub, designers, artists and makers are creating exceptional work across the country. Leicester, with DMU’s strong reputation in fashion, textiles and the creative arts, provides a fitting setting for this exhibition.
Carolyn Hardaker, Head of the School of Design Innovation at DMU, said:
“It is a great privilege to collaborate with Dame Zandra and her team on the forthcoming exhibition, which will celebrate this remarkable resource.” (De Montfort University)
The university’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Katie Normington, also described the archive as an inspiration to students and visitors, highlighting Dame Zandra’s confidence in DMU as a leading fashion educator. (De Montfort University)
Dame Zandra was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by DMU in 2023, and her archive is now being used as an educational resource for students and future generations of designers. (De Montfort University)
The UK and India: A Creative Exchange
Dr Sri Ram, Founder and Executive Chair of UKICC, said:
“Dame Zandra has been a long-time friend and supporter of the UKICC’s work and is the epitome of the exchange between the UK and India. She stands proud as one of the pre-eminent creatives of the UK, using the wide-spanning craft of artisans in India and revelling in the colours and handicraft of India across design, architecture, textiles and materials.
“This exhibition is every bit retrospective and forward-thinking as ties between the UK and India fortify in this new trading landscape.”
For UKICC, supporting Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded is therefore about more than celebrating a British fashion icon. It is about celebrating connection — between Britain and India, fashion and craft, established designers and emerging talent, and heritage and the future.
Dame Zandra Rhodes’ career demonstrates how creative exchange can cross borders and generations while continuing to inspire.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded is free and open to the public from 26 September 2026 to 16 January 2027 at De Montfort University in Leicester. (De Montfort University)
