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Vivienne Westwood

British, 1941-2022

For someone who regularly swatted away the industry that made her, audacious British fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood certainly knew her way around a garment. And she knew how to provoke. “I don’t follow fashion,” Westwood once told the New York Times. “I’ve never been interested in it.” Collectors are certainly interested in her work, and vintage Vivienne Westwood dresses, handbags, lingerie and jackets have become very desirable over the years.

Westwood was born Vivienne Isabel Swire in a village in Derbyshire, in central England, but moved to London as a teen. In the early 1960s, she began to make her own necklaces and other jewelry and met an artist, activist and entrepreneur named Malcolm McLaren. They became involved romantically and she made clothes for him in the style of the Teddy Boys — the city’s music-crazed, occasionally violent teenagers at the time who wore high-waisted trousers and tailored velvet blazers that drew on Edwardian-era fashions.

Westwood and McLaren opened a vintage shop on King’s Road in London in 1971. The flared denim and peasant blouses of the 1960s, then still popular with the “peace and love” set, didn’t hold any weight for Westwood. Instead, she was interested in provocative, edgy apparel. She repaired used clothing and endeavored to create bold new designs from scratch.

Together Westwood and McLaren sold older rock-and-roll records, customized T-shirts with antiestablishment slogans, biker jackets and snug trousers inspired by the Marlon Brando film The Wild One as well as bondage fetish wear. The shop, once called Let It Rock and then Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die before Sex became a more appropriate moniker, evolved into a youth mecca. The DIY garments — zippered tops, burnt tees emblazoned with anarchist messages — flew off the shelves. More notably, it brought punk to the masses.

Westwood was soon dressing the Sex Pistols, a band that McLaren managed, all the while bridging the gap between music and fashion in a manner that has reverberated throughout the industry for decades.

In 1981, the couple’s first fashion show marked the debut of their Pirate collection — a swashbuckler-themed line that sprang from Westwood’s research into Indigenous Americans and the “power garments” of the Louis XIV era. The collection’s ample proportions and cutting-edge tailoring countered punk’s geometry and tight latex fits as well as what rocker Adam Ant called the “Puritanism” that plagued England at the time. The Pirate collection’s enduring influence on the world of fashion as well as the theatrical work of designers such as John Galliano and Alexander McQueen is undeniable.

For the colorful corsets of her 1990 Portrait collection, Westwood drew on 18th-century oil paintings — her models donned the pearl necklaces that have become a social media star and a favorite of influencers and fashion lovers all over the world. For a jacket-and-shorts suit from her Fall/Winter 1996–97 Storm in a Teacup line, the designer used the extreme asymmetry of a tartan mash-up to confront, according to Westwood, “the horror of uniformity and minimalism.”

The self-taught Westwood enjoyed a rapid ascent in fashion, with British society embracing her looks and Vogue immortalizing them in its glossy pages. She garnered accolades for introducing corsets to the runway and dressed Kate Moss and Helena Bonham Carter. And an original Vivienne Westwood wedding dress is featured in 2008’s Sex and the City film.

The fires of political and environmental activism burned brightly for Westwood: She was a Greenpeace ambassador, having designed the organization’s official “Save the Arctic” logo; her clothing brand is committed to using recycled canvas and other eco-friendly materials in the production process; and in 2020, she protested the extradition of Julian Assange by suspending herself in a bird cage outside London’s Old Bailey court. But she will always be the grande dame of British design.

Find an extraordinary range of vintage Vivienne Westwood shirts, shoes, gowns and other items today on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$1,849
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Vivienne Westwood fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Vivienne Westwood fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red, blue, purple and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Ossie Clark, Jean Muir, and Vivienne Westwood Gold Label appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Vivienne Westwood fashion from top boutiques around the world. Vivienne Westwood fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at £89 and tops out at £37,074, while the average work can sell for £3,454.
Questions About Vivienne Westwood
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To tell if a Vivienne Westwood bag is real, check for the plate. Each bag will feature a plate with an inscription of the brand. Look to see that the plate features crisp and evenly spaced lettering. Continue examining the bag to look for any stitching flaws or asymmetrical details. A true Vivienne Westwood bag will be flawless. Always purchase Vivienne Westwood bags from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Shop a large collection of Vivienne Westwood bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To change the battery on a Vivienne Westwood watch, you will need a specialized tool to take the case back off. To avoid potentially damaging your luxury timepiece, a professional watchmaker can change the battery stress-free. You can find vintage and contemporary Vivienne Westwood clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Most Vivienne Westwood products are made in Italy. There are also factories located in
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Many Vivienne Westwood bags are made in Italy. That information is noted on a plate within the bag, which is one way to authenticate a Vivienne Westwood bag. However, in 2014 the brand introduced a line of ethical bags that do not contain leather. These bags are made in South Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. Shop a collection of vintage and new Vivienne Westwood bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    New Vivienne Westwood jewelry is available from Vivienne Westwood boutiques directly as well as through multiple retailers. For physical store locations, consult the brand’s website. Preowned Vivienne Westwood jewelry is available for purchase through multiple platforms, including 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Vivienne Westwood has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Mini Melissa shoe is made by the company Grendene and is considered a pioneer in the design and development of high-end plastic footwear. The designs that this brand is getting recognized are made in collaboration with some top luxury brand names, including Vivienne Westwood. But the Vivienne Westwood brand does not own the Mini Melissa and it is not the only brand contributing design ideas. Shop a collection of vintage and new Vivienne Westwood shoes from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Vivienne Westwood does not offer a student discount on its designs. If you’re looking for a discount or a sale on Vivienne Westwood clothing, shoes, and accessories, following them on social media may help as it sometimes offers discounts to loyal followers. Shop a collection of vintage and new Vivienne Westwood bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Vivienne Westwood necklaces are mostly made of sterling silver and brass along with other imitation stones and metals. Most gold-looking pieces in her collection are actually brass. Even though the metals are not real gold, it’s still important to protect and care for your Vivienne Westwood jewelry as it may tarnish and lose its luster over time. You’ll find a large collection of Vivienne Westwood from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes and no. Vivienne Westwood has a collection of handbags that are made of genuine leather and produced in Italy. The brand also has a collection of ethical handbags that are not made of animal products and these bags are produced in South Africa. Shop a collection of vintage and new Vivienne Westwood bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Vivienne Westwood font is Raphael. It is an art nouveau style, reminiscent of ‘70s retro, published by Monotype Imaging Inc. On 1stDibs, you can find vintage and contemporary Vivienne Westwood bags, clothing and shoes from some of the top boutiques around the world.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Vivienne Westwood is a British fashion designer known for bringing punk and new wave styles to mainstream fashion. You can find expertly vetted vintage and contemporary Vivienne Westwood bags, clothing and shoes from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Vivienne Westwood is a British fashion designer who entered the scene in 1971 and quickly grew in popularity. She is known for being outspoken, edgy and unconventional. Her designs and cutting-edge style in the 1970s shaped the look of the punk rock movement, taking runway and streetwear fashion in a different direction. You’ll find a large collection of Vivienne Westwood from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Vivienne Westwood’s style has been described as punk, new wave, new romantic and more. She was the embodiment of the punk fashion movement in the 1970s, inspiring the likes of the Sex Pistols. You can find vintage and contemporary Vivienne Westwood bags, clothing and shoes from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Vivienne Westwood does make a stand towards sustainability by avoiding plastics and replacing polyester and acrylics for recyclable materials. Sustainable leather also plays a major role in a lot of the brand’s creations. You can find vintage and contemporary Vivienne Westwood bags, clothing and shoes from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    It depends on the design, but Vivienne Westwood does use sterling silver and brass for most of its jewelry. You can find vintage and contemporary Vivienne Westwood accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To ensure the authenticity of your Vivienne Westwood T-shirt, check that the brand tag is an off-white embroidered tag stitched to the garment on the top left and top right corners. The logo and name also appear on the care instructions tag. Be sure to also check that any graphic is printed crisp and clean and that the hem is evenly double-stitched. You can also find expertly vetted vintage and contemporary Vivienne Westwood bags, clothing and shoes from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Vivienne Westwood was initially made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1992 and then was made a dame in 2006. Shop Dame Vivienne Westwood’s designs from some of the top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    New Vivienne Westwood jewelry is available from the brand’s retail partners, including many large department stores like Nordstrom, Selfridges and Harrods. Preowned Vivienne Westwood jewelry is available for purchase through multiple platforms, including 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Vivienne Westwood has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Vivienne Westwood was born in Tintwistle and when she was 17, moved to Harrow in the country of Middlesex. After her first marriage ended, she moved to Balham and opened a boutique in London. For many years she lived in a flat in Clapham, until 2000 when her second husband convinced her to move to a Clapham house that once belonged to Captain Cook’s mother. You’ll find a large collection of Vivienne Westwood from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    You can clean a Vivienne Westwood necklace by using a soft toothbrush and a tiny amount of soap in warm water. To prevent the oxidation of your jewelry, avoid fragrances and salts near your luxury piece. Be sure to reference the care instructions that accompanied your jewelry. You can find vintage and contemporary Vivienne Westwood clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

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