The moving first show after the loss of a force in British Fashion

With London Fashion Week’s dedication to the late and great Vivienne Westwood, eyes were watching the moving first show at Paris fashion week post her death in December. The brand’s first show without her was as moving as you can imagine. The collection, designed by her husband of 24 years, was inspired by Westwood’s life and work, opening with a blouse and legging set printed with Westwood’s face and shoes inspired by the Ghillie heels which she originally invented. Throughout the collection, references to corsets, tweeds and tartans were a clear nod to the subversive punk subculture which Westwood was known for.

The show ended with Westwood’s granddaughter Cora Corré walking in the final bridal look with a bouquet of flowers and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Vivienne Westwood was not just an icon in the fashion world. Throughout her life and career she was also an outspoken activist and used her love for fashion to advocate for civil liberties and human rights, ethical and sustainable fashion and to speak out against climate change and over consumption. She was not afraid to be controversial and get involved in politics, communicating this through not only her collections but her involvement in protests and donations too.

For example, in Westwood’s AW15 show, the slogan VOTE GREEN was featured on many of the garments with the words: “Controlled by the 1% of the world’s population who are in power. The preach consumption, and they preach war”.

Her AW15 menswear show featured models with bruised faces which represented eco-warriors trying to save the planet. She is also known for donating £300,000 to the Green Party that year.

There are so many reasons to honour Dame Vivienne Westwood’s life and work and perhaps to reflect her ethos and activism in our own lives and choices.

If you would like to watch the Paris Fashion Week show you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQv5L11IcXA

Thank you for reading,

Poppy :) xo