Vivienne Westwood is a name that will be remembered for her fashion designs. Tragically, she died at the age 81. Her international fame was due to her work, which enabled her to speak both high-fashion and social criticism, fusing them together.
Her clothes served three purposes: a symbol of identity and belonging, a declaration that she was part of a group, and as an open expression of political and social dissent. They were also able to capture the rebellious streaks of time. Vivienne worked tirelessly to address environmental issues and free the new generation of the outdated mechanism of the Ancient Bourgeois Rule.
Fashion lovers will never have heard of this legendary designer. Learn more about her five greatest collections throughout her career.
Five amazing Vivienne Westwood collections have cemented her status in the fashion industry
1) Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter 1994-95 – “On Liberty”
Westwood’s humor is rich in tartan, equestrian fashion and British comedy. Considered to be a sort of early iteration of the Comme des Garçons’ “Lumps and Bumps” line, On Liberty.
This collection features premium patent leather outerwear and long thick furry jackets, classic hats, headgear and plaid print blouses with matching skirts.
2) Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter 2002-03 – “Anglophilia”
VivienneWestwood revisits the historic images she adores most and reconfigures the pieces. One of the many pieces shown in Anglophilia that the designer stylizes is the wrinkled silk garment worn by Madame de Pompadour in a painting by François Boucher, who was a favorite of hers. As with every design by Dame Viv it features asymmetrical cut, unusual taste and vivid depictions art and history.
3) VivienneWestwood Fall/Winter 2015-16 – “Unisex: Time for Action”
The design was inspired by “Shepherds and Sumerians”, but the final product was a reflection of inclusiveness and gender-neutral fashion. The runway featured a mix of unisex and fitted suits. There were also hula skirts, hooded capses, bangs, and flowing floral gowns.
4) Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 2019 Ready-to-wear collection
The Spring 2019 collection was centered around the concept of sustainable development, ecological protection and was therefore highlighted with a video instead of the usual runway display.
To create the Chinese peony watercolors, “Dame Vivienne”, “Green Economy” calligraphies and drop-crotch pants as well as drunkenly fitting organic cotton clothes and linen outerwear, sustainable materials were used. 90% of the acetate that was used to make off-the shoulder dresses with floral jacquards came from wood pulp derived from trees that were reforested.
All Oeko-Tex sustainability norms were followed when creating the 100 percent repurposed striped double breasted coats and sweatshirts, inspired by army uniforms and hemp and bamboo blends. Even the width of large handkerchief skirts was determined by the length of the fabric bolt that they were cut from to ensure there was no production waste.
5) Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter 2022 Ready-to-wear collection
The designer and her team incorporated elements from her past while adding a touch of fresh design to meet seasonal needs.
The Westwood team recalled the fall 2001 show, Wild Beauty, as a tribute to the Year of the Tiger. This ready-towear collection featured whiskered Tiger headpieces, as well as the tiger stripe of the previous design. These tiger stripes, which were created in some striking shapes, were over-dyed with deadstock cotton velvet. This collection includes viscose shirts for both men and ladies, as well as slacks and dresses.
There was also a new take on the Tiger in a pixelated, generally warped print. Also, a shout out to leopards on undergarments in more amiable viscose and base layers in leopards.
These were just a few examples of the many classic collections that the famous fashion designer designed. Even though there won’t be another fashion designer with her style, her stunning designs will inspire fashion lovers and budding designers everywhere.