The 29th of December marked 2 years since Dame Vivienne Westwood’s sudden passing, but how has the British, grown-out punk-rock brand been surviving in the fashion world since they lost their founder?

In the past, the loss of other huge fashion designers such as Dior and Mcqueen has proven that a fashion brand can well pass down the legacy of the founder not only years but decades after their passing. After working beside each other for years, these founders had to pass the brand over to someone handpicked whom they could trust and who knew the vision for designs like the back of their hand. YSL succeeded Dior, Burton succeeded Mcqueen... etc...

Much like the enduring legacies of other iconic fashion houses, Vivienne Westwood’s brand found its future in the hands of someone who was not just a trusted collaborator but also her life partner.

Andreas Kronthaler, described as “her partner in life and creativity,” was more than just the designer’s spouse - he was the person she shared an intensely personal and creative bond. Their partnership wasn’t just built on mutual respect but was forged through years of shared vision, making Kronthaler the natural successor to Westwood’s revolutionary brand. When she passed, it wasn’t simply a handover of designs - it was the continuation of a legacy created through their shared passion for fashion and innovation.

Image via Popsugarassets

Andreas Kronthaler’s journey with Vivienne Westwood began long before their marriage in 1993. The two first crossed paths in 1988 at an art school in Vienna, where a personal and creative relationship was formed instantly. Just a year later, Kronthaler joined Westwood’s design team, and their professional collaboration quickly blossomed into something deeper. Over the next 28 years, their bond, both as partners in life and in creativity, grew stronger. Kronthaler played a pivotal role in shaping several collections under the iconic label. From art school classmates to life partners, their relationship became a true fusion of passion, vision, and artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion.

During the campaign for the Vivienne Westwood Spring-Summer 2017 collection Westwood herself actually brings to light how much creative freedom she gives Kronthaler under the brand - “It’s important for me to tell people that Andreas does his own collection, and I hardly get involved.”

The Collection Documentary: The Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood documentary

Fast forward to 9 months after her passing, Kronthaler created a Vivienne Westwood wardrobe-inspired runway for the brand’s Spring 2024 collection. He told Vogue about how his main inspiration was how much Westwood loved, wore, and repurposed the clothing. “She mended things that were impossible to mend. She had such a good hand. She was always on the bicycle, and she always wore my boxer shorts, and of course, on the bicycle, the crotch wears out. And she mended those boxer shorts until they fell into powder. It was unbelievable.” Says Kronthaler

Images via Vogue Runway

Since 2023, Kronthaler has created over five seasonal collections under Vivienne Westwood for bi-annual Fashion Week runway shows. The future of Vivienne Westwood as a brand may be uncertain, but it’s evident that the brand is now in the best hands possible. We can’t wait to see what comes next.