Vivienne Westwood's Legacy: Beyond Bold Designs
Hey there, my art savants!
I hope you're all doing well, because today we're talking about the one, the only, Vivienne Westwood. I'm sure you all know by now, but in case you haven't heard, the iconic fashion designer passed away on December 29, 2022 at the age of 81 in London. It’s never easy when such an icon transitions and because she was just that- an icon let's celebrate her and talk about what made her such a legend.
I know I'm not alone when I say, Vivienne Westwood was BOLD. She used fabric and color like a true artist. I believe she paved the way for the term "maximalist" with her daring mixture of plaids, stripes and floral prints. Her designs ranged from punk to art and historical influence, and in some of her campaigns featured models draped in garments with a relaxed posture showing high fashion in a relatable state and often with eccentric hair and makeup. And you know what, I think her punk influence made being emo, preppy, and "disinterested in high fashion" actually cool! The biggest models in the industry in the 90s walked her shows; Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell were her favorites to present her designs down the runway. And let's not forget, Vivienne herself never disappointed when she came down the runway either, her free nature she wore proudly.
Naomi Campbell 1994 Vivienne Westwood RTW fashion show
But it wasn't just her designs that made Vivienne a trailblazer in the fashion industry, it was also her beliefs. She was a huge advocate for sustainability in the fashion industry, using environmentally friendly materials and practices in her designs and encouraging consumers to buy less and choose quality over quantity. And you know what, I think that's more important now than ever before.
Westwood had a successful career, which included her first boutique on London's King's Road in the 1970s and showing her collections in Paris in the 1980s. She was also known for her charity work and her support of climate change campaigns. However, her career wasn't without scandal, in the early 2000s, some of her clothing was being produced in factories in developing countries with poor working conditions. But you know what, she took responsibility and worked to improve the situation.
In summary, Vivienne Westwood's designs were innovative and ahead of their time. She was a true icon in the fashion industry and her legacy will live on through her commitment to sustainability and her message of self-expression. Her motto "Buy less, choose well, make it last," will continue to shape the way we think about fashion. And I believe that with Vonyea, we can continue to change the fashion industry, with persistence and redefinition just like Vivienne did. Rest in peace, Vivienne Westwood.
~Vonyea
