Published: Wednesday, 11th July, 2007 10:09
A degree of success for fashion queen Zandra
By Border Telegraph Newsroom
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COLOURFUL fashion designer Zandra Rhodes was awarded her first honorary degree from a Scottish university this week.
Businessman Tony Taylor was also recognised at the Heriot-Watt University graduation ceremony for his contribution to public life in the Borders.
Ms Rhodes attended the event bedecked in spiked red patent stripper shoes, pink hair and green eyeshadow, while Mr Taylor was slightly more subdued and wore a grey suit.
The renowned designer was awarded a DLitt by Mrs Sheila-Mary Carruthers in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the fashion industry at the University's Borders Campus.
She was described during the ceremony as having “played a major role in securing the international success of British fashion”.
Ms Rhodes told the Border Telegraph that she was honoured to receive such prestigious recognition from a Borders college.
“When I was at college, a girl in my class came from Galashiels so I am well aware of what a rich textile history you have in this part of the world.
“It is such a great honour to receive this degree. I have nine others but this is my first in Scotland.
“Sadly, I won’t be staying very long in Galashiels so I won’t be able to explore but I had the most beautiful drive up.”
Zandra’s early textile designs were considered too outrageous by British manufacturers to succeed commercially and she initially found it difficult to break into fashion world.
The Border Telegraph asked her what advice she had for aspiring textile students.
She said: “I say never give up, always follow your dreams and surround yourself with people you admire.”
Over the years Zandra has had many academic and professional honours bestowed upon her and was made a Commander of the British Empire by the Queen in 1997.
Tony Taylor moved to Selkirk in the early 1980s and has played a significant part in Borders public life ever since.
He was awarded his degree in recognition of his roles ranging from managing director of Edinburgh Woollen Mill to NHS Borders Chairman to founding member and Chairman of Scottish Borders Enterprise.
But Tony has also long been associated with the Galashiels School of Textiles and Design.
He joined the Court of the University as a representative for the Borders when the College merged with Heriot-Watt University in 1998.
Speaking to the Border Telegraph, he said: “My late father came to Galashiels eighty years ago and he would have been very proud of me today.”
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