• Website: viviennewestwood.com
• Founded: 1971, London, England
• Founder: Vivienne Westwood
• Owned By: Independently owned
• Known For: Orb Necklace, Bas Relief Pearl Choker, Corsets, Granny Bag, British punk fashion
• Category Focus: Ready-to-wear, handbags, jewellery, footwear, accessories, bridal
Vivienne Westwood is one of the most influential British luxury fashion houses, renowned for its punk heritage, historical tailoring, and rebellious approach to design. Founded by Vivienne Westwood, the brand revolutionized fashion by transforming London's underground punk movement into global luxury while blending British heritage, political activism, and couture craftsmanship.
Known for combining corsetry, tartan, tailoring, draping, and the iconic Orb emblem, Vivienne Westwood has created enduring icons including the Orb Necklace, Bas Relief Pearl Choker, Corsets, Granny Bag, Mini Yasmine Bag, and Rocking Horse Shoes. The house continues balancing historic references with provocative contemporary design under Creative Director Andreas Kronthaler.
Today, Vivienne Westwood remains one of the last major independent global luxury fashion houses, continuing its legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, and environmental activism while presenting collections in Paris and Milan.
Orb Necklace
Bas Relief Pearl Choker
Corsets
Granny Bag
Mini Yasmine Bag
Rocking Horse Shoes
Tartan Tailoring
Orb Watches
Vivienne Westwood began reshaping fashion during the 1970s, when she and Malcolm McLaren operated their influential King's Road boutiques that dressed London's emerging punk movement. Through boutiques such as SEX and Seditionaries, Westwood challenged fashion conventions and helped define punk style worldwide.
Throughout the following decades, she evolved from punk provocateur into one of Britain's greatest fashion designers, drawing inspiration from eighteenth-century tailoring, Victorian dress, Scottish tartans, and Savile Row craftsmanship. Following Dame Vivienne Westwood's passing in 2022, her husband and longtime creative partner Andreas Kronthaler has continued developing the house while preserving its distinctive identity.
Key milestones:
• 1971: Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren open their first King's Road boutique.
• 1981: Debut of the legendary Pirate collection.
• 1987: Introduction of the iconic Orb logo.
• 1992: Vivienne Westwood is awarded an OBE.
• 2006: Appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire.
• 2022: Dame Vivienne Westwood passes away; Andreas Kronthaler continues creative leadership.
• 2026: The house presents its Spring/Summer 2026 collection inspired by archival garments from Vivienne Westwood's personal wardrobe, alongside a return to Milan Menswear and continued runway leadership under Andreas Kronthaler.
Vivienne Westwood continues inspiring fashion through its unique blend of British heritage, artistic rebellion, and environmental consciousness.
“Vivienne Westwood proved that rebellion could become timeless luxury. Its strength lies in transforming punk spirit, historical tailoring, and political conviction into one of fashion’s most distinctive creative legacies.”
Vivienne Westwood matters because it transformed rebellion into one of luxury fashion's greatest creative forces.
Its influence can be seen across:
• British fashion
• Punk culture
• Luxury jewellery
• Contemporary tailoring
By combining historical craftsmanship, fearless creativity, and cultural activism, Vivienne Westwood continues shaping the future of fashion while remaining true to its revolutionary roots.
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