Vivienne Westwood fashion brand
Vivienne Westwood is a British fashion designer known for her avant-garde and punk-inspired designs. She rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as part of the punk and new wave fashion movements in London, and has since become a prominent figure in the fashion industry. Westwood’s designs often incorporate elements of British heritage, such as tartan and other traditional fabrics, and she is known for her use of bold colors and prints. Her brand, Vivienne Westwood, sells clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women, and is considered a luxury brand.
The Vivienne Westwood brand was established in 1971 by Vivienne Westwood and her then-partner Malcolm McLaren in London, England. The brand started as a small boutique called “Let it Rock” in the Kings Road, Chelsea, London and later became known as “SEX” and “World’s End” before it became known as Vivienne Westwood. Westwood’s early designs were heavily influenced by the punk rock movement, and she quickly gained a reputation for her bold and innovative fashion. Westwood’s designs in that period with McLaren were sold in their shop on King’s Road, London and then later in many other retail outlets across the UK and also worldwide.
Vivienne Westwood has retail stores in various countries worldwide, including but not limited to: United Kingdom, United States, Italy, France, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea.
The main distinguishing features of the Vivienne Westwood brand include its use of bold, avant-garde designs, its incorporation of political and social messages, and its use of British heritage and tailoring techniques. Westwood’s designs often feature a mix of historical references and contemporary elements, and are known for their eccentricity, quirkiness and attention to detail. The brand is also known for its use of sustainable and ethically-sourced materials. Another feature of the brand is its focus on accessories, especially the iconic orb logo which is a recurring element in the brand’s designs.
Participation in fashion weeks
The brand has traditionally presented its collections during London Fashion Week, which is held twice a year in February and September. The brand has also presented its collections during Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. However, it’s worth noting that in recent years the brand has stopped participating in traditional fashion week shows, instead opting for more sustainable and eco-friendly means of showcasing its collections.
Vivienne Westwood’s Collections
Vivienne Westwood has several sub-brands under its umbrella, each with their own distinct aesthetic and target market. Some of the sub-brands of Vivienne Westwood include:
- Vivienne Westwood Red Label: This is the main ready-to-wear collection of the brand, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary designs.
- Vivienne Westwood Gold Label: This is the luxury ready-to-wear collection of the brand, featuring more high-end and couture-inspired designs.
- Vivienne Westwood Anglomania: This is a diffusion line of the brand, featuring more casual and streetwear-inspired designs.
- Vivienne Westwood Accessories: This is a collection of bags, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories featuring the brand’s iconic designs and motifs.
- Vivienne Westwood MAN: This is a menswear collection of the brand, featuring more tailored and formal designs.
Vivienne Westwood Red Label
Vivienne Westwood Red Label is the main ready-to-wear collection of the Vivienne Westwood brand. It features a mix of classic and contemporary designs that reflect the brand’s signature aesthetic, which is known for its bold, avant-garde designs, its incorporation of political and social messages, and its use of British heritage and tailoring techniques. The collection often features a mix of historical references and contemporary elements, and is known for its eccentricity, quirkiness and attention to detail. The collection includes clothing for both men and women, including dresses, trousers, shirts, jackets, and outerwear, as well as a variety of accessories such as bags, shoes, and jewelry. The collection is presented during London Fashion Week, which is held twice a year in February and September.
Vivienne Westwood Gold Label
Vivienne Westwood Gold Label is the luxury ready-to-wear collection of the Vivienne Westwood brand. It features high-end, couture-inspired designs that reflect the brand’s signature aesthetic, which is known for its bold, avant-garde designs, its incorporation of political and social messages, and its use of British heritage and tailoring techniques. The collection often features a mix of historical references and contemporary elements, and is known for its eccentricity, quirkiness and attention to detail. The collection includes clothing for both men and women, including dresses, trousers, shirts, jackets, and outerwear, as well as a variety of accessories such as bags, shoes, and jewelry. The collection is presented during London Fashion Week, which is held twice a year in February and September.
The difference between the Red Label and the Gold Label is in the level of luxury and craftsmanship of the garments, Gold Label is more extravagant and elaborate. This collection is generally considered a more upscale and exclusive version of the main Red Label collection.
Ambassadors
Vivienne Westwood has had a number of ambassadors and collaborators over the years. Some notable examples include:
- Andreas Kronthaler, who is the creative director of the brand and also Vivienne Westwood’s husband.
- Naomi Campbell, who has walked in Westwood’s runway shows and also appeared in the brand’s advertising campaigns.
- Pamela Anderson, who has been a long-time friend and collaborator of Westwood, and has also been featured in the brand’s advertising campaigns.
- Emma Watson, who is a vocal supporter of sustainable fashion and has worn Westwood designs on a number of red carpet events.
- Jourdan Dunn, she has walked in Westwood’s runway shows and also appeared in the brand’s advertising campaigns.
It’s worth noting that these are just a few examples and the brand has a large number of ambassadors and collaborators over the years.
Emma Watson as an ambassador of the Vivienne Westwood
Emma Watson is a British actress and a vocal supporter of sustainable fashion. She has been an ambassador for the Vivienne Westwood brand, wearing the designer’s clothing on a number of red carpet events, including the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the BAFTAs, and the Golden Globes. Watson has also worn Westwood designs for her photoshoots and appearances on various talk shows and magazines.
Emma Watson’s support for the brand is not only due to her love of the designs but also because of the brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical production. She is known to be a strong advocate for ethical fashion, and her association with the brand has helped to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable and responsible fashion choices.
Awards
Vivienne Westwood has received a number of awards throughout the years. Some notable awards include:
- OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1992: Vivienne Westwood was awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her services to British fashion.
- Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 1990: Vivienne Westwood was awarded Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in recognition of her contributions to the fashion industry.
- RDI (Royal Designer for Industry) in 1992: Vivienne Westwood was awarded an RDI by the Royal Society of Arts in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the fashion industry.
- Designer of the Year at the Elle Style Awards in 2000: Vivienne Westwood was awarded Designer of the Year at the Elle Style Awards in recognition of her contributions to the fashion industry.
- Outstanding Contribution to British Fashion at the British Fashion Awards in 2007: Vivienne Westwood was awarded Outstanding Contribution to British Fashion at the British Fashion Awards in recognition of her contributions to the fashion industry.
- Green Carpet Challenge Icon Award at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards in 2019: Vivienne Westwood was awarded the Green Carpet Challenge Icon Award for her contributions to sustainable and ethical fashion.
These awards are a testament to Vivienne Westwood’s impact on the fashion industry and her contributions to sustainable and ethical fashion.