Vivienne Westwood A/W 2019 London Fashion Week Women's
Mood board: On Friday, the UK’s schoolchildren marched from schools to protest political inaction on climate change. Throughout fashion week, the environmentalist group Extinct Rebellion is peacefully protesting unsustainable practices used in the luxury industry. Vivienne Westwood is well versed in environmental issues and uses her label to bolster awareness on sociopolitical issues, from freedom of speech to fracking.
Her A/W 2019 runway show, held at a resplendent church in Westminster’s St John Smith’s Square, was her most polemical to date. The catwalk show featured apocalyptic and impassioned spoken sermons on climate change, Brexit, corrupt governments and our spin into self-destruction. ‘Something has to happen now. If not, we’re all dead’ said the first mic'd-up male model who opened the show. It was a stirring start to a politically poignant and rousing event.
Team work: Westwood’s show concept usurped the idea of the mute model, with some akin to political performance art. Hers stood proudly on stage delivering, at times, uncomfortable comments to the audience. ‘The world is bankrupt’ one stated. On the rousing roster? #MeToo activist actress Rose McGowan, John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, Fred Harrison, author and policy advisor and model, actress and activist Sara Stockbridge.
Best in show: ‘Vivienne does the best trousers’ one male model confided to the audience. The collection that accompanied her show’s statement speeches was a testament to this, and featured the greatest hits of her signature pieces: check and tartan tailoring, draped gowns, protest T-shirts and knitwear. Cue ironic accessories too. An ‘I heart crap’ tote bag bolstered Westwood’s anti-fast fashion message. ‘Buy less, choose more’ was a lasting missive from the show.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
‘LA Gun Club’: artist Jane Hilton on who’s shooting who
‘LA Gun Club’, an exhibition by Jane Hilton at New York’s Palo Gallery, explores American gun culture through a study of targets and shooters
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Kim Jones’ Dior Men accessories channel the rebellious spirit of the Buffalo Collective
Agitator and establishment meet in Kim Jones’ S/S 2024 Dior Men accessories, inspired at once by the house’s history of haute couture and Ray Petri’s 1980s Buffalo Collective
By Jack Moss Published
-
Hotel Rakuragu is a tiny but mighty modern escape in Tokyo
Hotel Rakuragu, brought to life by Kooo Architects, lies within an 80 sq m plot in the area of Chuo-ku
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Margaret Howell London Fashion Week Women's S/S 2019
By Dal Chodha Published
-
London Fashion Week S/S 2023: Ahluwalia to Martine Rose
Though slimmed-down, London Fashion Week nonetheless provided the moments of creative expression the city is known for – from Ahluwalia’s ode to Africa to Martine Rose’s much-anticipated runway return
By Jack Moss Last updated
-
Discover these fashion brands at London Craft Week
During London Craft Week, fashion brands including Smythson, Bally and Serapian are hosting events across the capital
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Nicholas Daley's multicultural roots celebrated in London
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
V&A spotlights the sartorial and social significance of the kimono
For the latest endeavour of London's Victoria and Albert Museum, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk explores the evolution of the iconic Japanese garment
By Grace Cook Last updated
-
Erdem A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Christopher Kane A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Burberry A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins Last updated