VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

Vivienne Westwood was a pioneering British fashion designer known for her rebellious and avant-garde approach to fashion. She is often credited with bringing modern punk and new wave fashion into the mainstream during the 1970s.

Westwood's rise to fame began in the early 1970s when she, along with Malcolm McLaren, opened the iconic boutique 'Let it Rock', which was then renamed to 'Sex' a few years later, on London’s King's Road. The shop became a hub for the emerging punk rock scene. It was from this environment that Westwood and McLaren helped to define punk's distinct fashion aesthetic, characterized by ripped clothing, safety pins, bondage pants, and provocative slogans.

Vivienne's first major collection, "Pirates" (1981), marked her transition into high fashion. Despite being rooted in the DIY aesthetic of punk, her designs were inspired by historical clothing, which became a recurring theme throughout her career.

Westwood's work is known for blending traditional British tailoring with subversive elements. Some of her most famous contributions to fashion include:

• The Corset: Westwood revived the corset, historically seen as restrictive, and turned it into a symbol of empowerment by modernizing it with contemporary designs and prints.
• The Mini-Crini (1985): This was a playful reinterpretation of the Victorian crinoline and mini-skirt, embodying both historical references and modern youth rebellion.
• The Pirate Boots: These slouchy, oversized boots debuted in her 1981 collection and have since become a long-standing symbol of her brand.
• Tartan and British Heritage: Westwood often used traditional British symbols and fabrics, like tartan, tweed, and crowns, to comment on British identity, royalty, and the establishment.

In later years, Westwood became an outspoken environmental activist, particularly advocating against climate change and mass consumerism. She was one of the first major designers to actively promote sustainable fashion. Despite these efforts, she faced criticism at times for the seeming contradictions between her activism and running a luxury fashion label.

The Vivienne Westwood fashion label, founded in 1981, grew from the designer's underground punk roots into a globally recognized luxury brand. It became known for both ready-to-wear and haute couture collections that pushed boundaries and challenged norms.

The brand's hallmark characteristics include the use of tartan, corsets, asymmetry, and a balance between punk rebellion and British aristocratic references. Over the years, Vivienne Westwood continued to design provocative and intellectually challenging collections that often addressed current social and political issues.

Westwood's influence on fashion is immense. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential designers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Her blending of fashion with political discourse helped to shape the conversation around the role of designers as cultural commentators.

Even after her passing in December 2022, Vivienne Westwood's fashion house continues to operate under the creative direction of her husband, Andreas Kronthaler, who had collaborated with her since the 1990s. Kronthaler’s work continues to honor Westwood's legacy while pushing the brand into new creative directions.

Vivienne Westwood's contributions to fashion and activism remain a testament to her unique ability to marry aesthetics with ideology, making her an enduring symbol of rebellion, creativity, and sustainability in fashion.

Do you have questions about our selection or need assistance choosing the right piece from Vivienne Westwood? Whether you are looking for the perfect match from Vivienne Westwood or you are looking to explore other fashion options, our team is ready to help you with everything from size guidance to product information. 

Contact us by our chat or phone at +45 33 14 61 00 or send us an email at contact@henrikvibskov.com, and we will guide you to the right choice. We are here to ensure that you always have the best experience when shopping with us.