Vivienne Westwood and the Roots of Punk

Vivienne Westwood is a fashion designer who was known for drawing from historical influences and sending messages with her designs. She got her start within the punk scene, brought parody of British royalty into her runways designs, and later became focused on climate issues. And so more so than with other designers we are drawn to asking questions about her ideologies - how did they develop, and to some degree, how genuinely are they reflected in her work?

 

If you think you have deja vu, you don't. We did do a Vivienne Westwood series last year but we are back with a bigger, better (more researched) series that explores her design ideologies and design craft. This episode focuses on her working class roots, her influence on the punk scene, and how her views were impacted by Malcolm McClaren and The Situationists.

 

Main Sources:

Vivienne Westwood - Ian Kelly and Vivienne Westwood

An Unfashionable Life - Jane Mulvagh

 

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