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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.

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Designer: Vivienne Westwood
Dealer: Thrill of the Find
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Dress, 1990s
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Port Hope, ON
Lovely cotton printed dress with a draped pleated neckline; asymmetrical double and pleated hem, which is also replicated on the sleeve cuffs. This 100% cotton dress has some stretch.
Category

1990s Italian Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood Milan Red Label Skirt 1990s
By RED LABEL by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, Vivienne Westwood
Located in Port Hope, ON
This Vivienne Westwood mini skirt is made of 65% cotton and 35% viscose and is quite plain at the front, but in the usual Westwood style ...
Category

1990s Italian Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood Milan Red Label Skirt with Max Mara Cotton Top, 1990s
By Vivienne Westwood, RED LABEL by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Located in Port Hope, ON
This Vivienne Westwood mini skirt is made of 65% cotton and 35% viscose and is quite plain at the front, but in the usual Westwood style has an interested back slit, and of course the iconic button. The Max Mara top...
Category

1990s Italian Vivienne Westwood

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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 $110 and tops out at $46,230, while the average work can sell for $3,870.
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
    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 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
    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
    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
    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 2, 2024
    The Vivienne Westwood font is believed to be custom-made and is protected by copyright and all other intellectual property rights by Vivienne Westwood Ltd. Online resources suggest that the elegant font, which refers here to the wordmark that appears below the brand’s “Orb” logo, shares common ground with a stylish and decorative Art Nouveau-inflected font called Raphael Regular that is published by Monotype Imaging Inc.

    Art Nouveau, with its wealth of sinuous lines and organic curves, developed in the decorative arts in France and Britain in the early 1880s and quickly became a dominant aesthetic style in Western Europe and the United States. Whether or not the Vivienne Westwood font looks like the Monotype font, it definitely reflects the influence of Art Nouveau design and the celebrated poster advertisements of the era.

    Dubbed “the undisputed Queen of British fashion” by musician Boy George, the acclaimed late British designer Vivienne Westwood bridged the gap between music and fashion in a manner that has reverberated for decades. Today, the label is beloved for its long history of imaginative, unique designs.

    Find an extraordinary range of vintage Vivienne Westwood shirtsshoesgowns and other items today on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 29, 2024
    Many shops sell Vivienne Westwood jewelry. The iconic brand’s necklaces, rings, bracelets and other accessories are available for purchase in its boutiques, which can be found in London, Los Angeles, Beijing, Milan and elsewhere.

    Vivienne Westwood jewelry is also available from the brand’s retail partners, including at department stores in the United States such as Nordstrom. For information on the physical store locations, consult the brand’s official website.

    Vintage Vivienne Westwood jewelry is available for purchase through multiple e-commerce platforms, including 1stDibs, which has a team of industry experts working to thoroughly evaluate all sellers and makers, so that its listings are high quality and offered by experienced professionals.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Vivienne Westwood and Burberry collaboration was released in 2018 and was only a limited edition collection. To buy the pieces, you could try any luxury fashion resale or consignment boutique. You can also find vintage and contemporary Vivienne Westwood bags, clothing and shoes from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024
    Where Vivienne Westwood products are made varies. Per the official Vivienne Westwood website, three-quarters of the global fashion brand’s manufacturing and sourcing is managed through a hub in Milan, Italy. Twenty-five percent of the company’s supply chain is managed through its headquarters in London.

    The majority of the suppliers managed through Vivienne Westwood’s hub in Milan are located in Italy, followed by Turkey, Portugal, Tunisia and Kenya. The suppliers managed through the brand’s London hub are located in Thailand and the UK, with one manufacturer located in Hong Kong.

    The company’s Made in Kenya collections have been supported by Artisan Fashion, an organization that manages relationships between clients and community groups of artisans in Kenya by way of a production hub in Nairobi.

    Find vintage Vivienne Westwood clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024
    Vivienne Westwood was a pioneering British fashion designer and activist.

    Dubbed “the undisputed Queen of British fashion” by musician Boy George, the acclaimed late designer bridged the gap between music and fashion in a manner that has reverberated for decades. Today, her namesake label is beloved for its long history of imaginative, unique designs.

    Many celebrities sport Vivienne Westwood pieces. Among them are Kim Kardashian, Thandiwe Newton, Salma Hayek, Gigi Hadid, Kate Hudson and Halsey. In recent years, social media influencers have introduced the luxury brand to a new generation of fashionistas.

    Westwood was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1992 and was made a Dame in 2006. The award-winning designer died in 2022.

    On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Vivienne Westwood apparel and accessories.
  • 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 ExpertMarch 20, 2024
    Vivienne Westwood was made a Dame in 2006. The pioneering fashion designer was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1992. Shop vintage Vivienne Westwood clothing and accessories from some of the top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024
    The Vivienne Westwood brand is strongly committed to sustainable practices. There is an extensive section on the brand’s official website that outlines the various and wide-ranging efforts that the company has made over the years to support sustainable business practices. These efforts include how the brand sources materials, how its products are packaged, which materials are used in the production of its apparel and accessories, where its manufacturing takes place, and more. Find Vivienne Westwood bags, clothing and shoes from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 1, 2024
    To change the battery in a Vivienne Westwood watch, you will need to safely and carefully remove the watch case back. Servicing any kind of wristwatch is a complicated task if you are not a jewelry professional. To avoid potentially damaging your luxury timepiece and to ensure it is properly resealed after it is serviced, experts recommend that you consult a watchmaker or jeweler to replace your watch battery. 

    (Additionally, if you’ve purchased your Vivienne Westwood watch directly from the company, the care instructions provided with your timepiece likely include a discussion of a “two-year guarantee against any defects in workmanship from the date of purchase.” The company’s guarantee will be deemed “void if the product has been taken apart or repaired by anyone other than one of the authorized service centres.”) 

    Audacious British fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood initially began her career in jewelry, creating necklaces, brooches and other accessories in the early 1960s. Decades later, long after she found herself dressing the Sex Pistols and bridging the gap between music and fashion in a manner that has reverberated throughout the industry for years, Westwood gained recognition for her venturesome work with pearls, upending the legacy of an object that has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period. 

    Find vintage watches for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    No, the Vivienne Westwood logo is not a cross. However, there is a cross motif included in the logo design. The British designer had both tradition and innovation in mind when she created the logo for her pioneering fashion brand in the mid-1980s. For what became known as “the Orb,” Westwood drew on prominent symbols associated with the British monarchy, such as the orb from the Crown Jewels (the past) as well as images from outer space (the future). On 1stDibs, explore a range of Vivienne Westwood apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Your Vivienne Westwood rubber shoes will come with care instructions that will detail how to care for your high-fashion footwear. Be sure to follow the instructions to help prolong your footwear’s life. 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
    To open your Vivienne Westwood watch, you need a special watch tool to take the case back off. To avoid potentially damaging your luxury timepiece, a professional watchmaker can make any fixes you need. On 1stDibs, you can find vintage and contemporary Vivienne Westwood designs from some of the top boutiques around the world.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Herald Group subsidiary Zeon Limited is responsible for manufacturing, marketing and distributing watches under the Vivienne Westwood brand. This agreement began in 2011 when the brand rolled out its watch line. Zeon Limited manufactures watches for many different brands. It is the UK’s largest distributor and importer of timepieces. Shop a collection of vintage and new Vivienne Westwood bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

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