Vivienne Westwood

     The Vault

Who is Vivienne Westwood?

Business Woman. Fashion Designer. Rebellious. Controversial. Inspirational. Maybe just a bit out there?...some would describe.

Westwood began sharpening her design skills at Harrow School of Art where she studied fashion and silversmithing. After dipping into teaching at a primary school while making her own jewelry line she then decided to open her own business.

After moving to London in the late 1960’s, Westwood and partner Malcolm McLaren began building their rebellious clothing line and shop. The team not so amused with the Hippie movement, then chose to design clothing with a more punk rock/ biker look. Leather, Studs, and Zippers.

After going through several shop names and locations, one including a shop called “Sex”, they settled on the name “Worlds End” which is still open today.

In 1981, Westwood and McLaren made their official debut onto the runway, with the collection titled “Pirates”.  The most notable aspect of this collection would be Westwood’s “ethnic cutting techniques” which are based upon the rectangle. Along with her ethnic cutting technique, Westwood introduced asymmetry in her garment designers for the Pirate Collection that has still stuck with her today.

      The Valuables

   

Three key elements to help identify Mrs. Westwood's iconic style.

1.     Asymmetry, especially in the neckline and hemlines.

2.     Rebellious punk elements, subtle and not.

3.     Clear use of the draping technique for designing clothes.

“She has an idea she knows will work, knocks it up in rough and in small scale and tries it out on a little dummy. Through various adjustments and fittings she arrives at a full scale finished garment in the right fabric.” –Note on VivienneWestwood.com

Don’t forget Westwood’s quirky emblem, tattooed on each of her own designs.

     The Lock

Today, Vivienne Westwood is still queen of her fashion kingdom. Her  collections include the semi-couture line Gold Label, a ready-to-wear line Red Label, Vivienne Westwood Man and the diffusion line Anglomania.

Westwood appeared on the runway at Milan Fashion Week, showcasing her Fall 2011 Collection. Focusing on the men's label- Westwood painted cheery red lips onto each of her male models along with a "grease-lightning" hair-do, true Vivienne charm.

  The Key

Didn’t think Westwood’s cheeky red lips weren't far enough? How about fake breasts on them instead?

At her Fall 2003 runway show you could have seen it done.

Where to find Vivienne Westwood special samples or “one-offs”? 

Go to her “Worlds End” shop located near the Fullam Broadway tube stop in London at:

 430 King's Road, Chelsea
London, SW10 0LR