Vivienne Westwood - Grandma of Punk

Throughout time, many artistic and cultural movements have changed the course of the history. And when it comes to fashion, Vivienne Westwood surely did her thing! After all, she is best known for her rebellious attitude that translated itself into punk fashion.

In fact, punk was born in Vivienne Westwood’s and Malcolm McLaren’s underground shop, in London.

Vivienne Westwood had always an intimate perspective on punk, which is more than a musical genre, more than just a period in history, but a social attitude too.

Constructivism and its opposite, this trash culture finds its metaphor in a certain intellectual avant-garde, or in its reverse, the avant-garde gone trash.

Sex Pistols and glam-punk accessories, this is Westwood’s spirit perfectly well balanced in fashion. After all, every accessory signed Vivienne Westwood mixes luxury, punk fashion and traditional British quality.

Tartan, skeletons and skulls made of Swarovski crystals, leather bags, Vivienne Westwood saw in punk a tendency of deconstructionist fashion – nowadays, she is considered to be one of the most innovative designers of the 20th century.

If 30 years ago Vivienne Westwood became famous for Sex Pistol’s wardrobe, which included lots of outrageous items (BDSM fashion, bondage gear, safety pins, razor blades, bicycle or lavatory chains on clothing and spiked dog collars for jewelry,), these days the famous designer still manages to maintain her unique vision in designing clothes.

Westwood campaign with Pamela Anderson and Viv's husband Andreas Kronthaler

She takes her inspiration from the historical 17th and 18th century cloth cutting principles, various traditional elements, and many other places. One of her most impressive work retrospective was exposed was shown in 2004–5 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the National Gallery of Australia. Hats, shoes, clothes, accessories – Vivienne Westwood is one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.