Fashion legend Zandra Rhodes designs costumes for Seattle Opera’s upcoming production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”

Zandra Rhodes: Fashion Icon and the Costume Designer for Seattle Opera's production of "The Magic Flute".

Zandra Rhodes has been a world famous fashion designer for over forty years who earned her reputation at the height of the Mod Sixties era in London, and her couture designs will be featured in Seattle Opera’s eagerly awaited, upcoming production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute which runs May 7-21 at McCaw Hall. But, the public will get a chance to meet her in the flesh at Neiman Marcus Bellevue on Friday, April 8, from 1:00pm – 4:00pm for a sneak peak at her designs for the opera. There will be no charge for this event, since the original plan was to have an orchestrated New York style fashion show to benefit Seattle Opera had to be cancelled. Ms. Rhodes will greet the guests during a reception on the Plaza Level in Fine Apparel where models will showcase her Spring 2011 Couture Collection. In addition, Ms. Rhodes’ costumes for The Magic Flute will also be on display in Fine Apparel and in each of Neiman Marcus’ store windows from April 1 to April 10, 2011.

(This is also a must not miss event for Absolutely Fabulous fans who remember Ms Rhodes’ humorous guest appearance on the beloved Brit-Com where she played herself and had to endure a trip down Memory Lane with Ms Patsy Stone as Patsy recalled her modeling debut working for Ms Rhodes in Swinging London. Actress/model Britt Ekland was also in that fondly remembered scene.)

Mozart's "The Magic Flute" will be a spicy treat for opera fanatics this Spring at Seattle Opera.

Founded in 1963, Seattle Opera is one of the leading opera companies in the United States. The company is recognized internationally for its theatrically compelling and musically accomplished performances, especially the Opera’s interpretations of the works of Richard Wagner. Since 1975, Seattle Opera has presented 38 cycles of the Ring (three different productions), in addition to acclaimed productions of all the other major operas in the Wagner canon. Seattle Opera has achieved the highest per capita attendance of any major opera company in the United States, and draws opera goers from four continents and fifty states. Mozart’s The Magic Flute is one of the most beloved and frequently produced operas in the world, and Seattle opera (and fashion) fans eagerly await the May production.