The Legacy of Vivienne Westwood.
image by Robbie Spencer for Dazed Magazine
A closer look at the iconic work that changed the face of fashion.
Few names in the fashion realm embody such a spirit of innovation that leaves a thought-provoking legacy as Vivienne Westwood. You may recall some of the brand’s notable pieces such as tartan garments, corsets, and orb jewellery (to name a few).
Tartan Fabric
An ode to British fabrics, tartan became synonymous with the Vivienne Westwood brand during the iconic Fall 1993 Anglomania show. Westwood even designed and registered her own tartans — the most recognisable iteration being the MacAndreas tartan, woven by Lochcarron of Scotland. Westwood loved to clash prints and fabrics, using as many as a dozen in one outfit.
The Corset
One of my personal favourites from her many collections is the iconic corset. Westwood reimagined underwear as outerwear, liberating it from its previous constraints in a patriarchal society.
“A woman wearing a corset today is a symbol of empowerment, of sexual freedom, of control. She’s the one holding the laces, the one constructing her own femininity”
Orb Jewellery
A desired fashion accessory I would love to add to my developing jewellery collection is one of Westwoods notable orb pendant necklaces. Many celebrities have worn variations of these necklaces and its popularity has also rekindled from a popular Japanese manga, Nana. These pieces are timeless and adored by different generations. The widely known orb symbolises Westwood’s idea of taking tradition into the future.
Activism
Behind those eclectic creations, Westwood was more than a fashion designer, she was an activist who challenged the status quo. Many of her unconventional designs and public appearances raised awareness about environmental and social issues. She was also critical of fast fashion and consumerism, advocating for more sustainable approaches. “Buy less, choose well, make it last,” Westwood always advocated.
The trajectory of Westwood’s career inspired many emerging designers to push boundaries. Westwood didn’t come from a traditional fashion school education, her career started as a teacher whilst selling jewellery on the side. "I didn't know how a working-class girl like me could possibly make a living in the art world,” she recalled. Although coming from humble beginnings in a conservative society, she still found a way to be creative and rebellious.
This is only a fragment of Westwood’s legacy, but it’s no secret that her influence goes beyond the runway. To this day, her designs are still highly sought after and collected by fashion enthusiasts around the world. Her impact on the fashion industry undeniably reflects that destroying stereotypes and being authentic can create positive motion in the world.
