Sustainable Sedition
All Images courtesy of Alice Dellal
“Dress for the time of day, or don’t dress for the time of day – wear your evening clothes to the office.”
Vivienne Westwood has always been ahead of the curve. And when the curve turned into a curveball, she was primed to bring a collection that delivers not only her heritage looks but one that is inclusive and environmentally on point - with one sustainable collection per year.
This season, when we are questioning what our wardrobe means to us from decorative adornments to relevant practical wear, there's a new element of trans-function. From zoom-worthy shirt/jogger combos to full blast athleisure, the pandemic has reshaped our attire. Westwood takes full advantage of this asking us to 'Dress for the time of day, or don't dress for the time of day - wear your evening clothes to the office if you go back to work, mix seasons.'
“Our collections are Unisex, our fashion always takes its cue from traditional English tailoring.”
Embracing traditional techniques from the likes of Saville row, for SS21 Dame Viv blended them with playful, gender non-specific pieces exploring details like collars and turn-ups, oversize graphics and giant pinstripes and spots.
And in a true collaborative spirit, the designer has collaborated with one of her long-term friends from the original Seditionaries days, recreating Chrissie Hynde's artworks as prints for the collection in exchange for a donation to her charity www.ahimsamilk.org. - a cow-friendly farm where the animals roam freely.
A further collab was in support of her friend, artist Anthony Newton. He against the odds and long-term illness produces stunning lace-like patterns that the designer has adapted to Trompe l'oeil effect on her dresses.
The result is a collection that observes the brand's heritage whilst bringing theatrics both aesthetical and in the film. Comprising of circus bright checks, dresses and tailoring for all to share, mix and match, what better way to face the uncertain future than with playful irreverence. Dame Viv will forever be seditious, and a radical break from the new norm is what we all need right now.
See more of Vivienne Westwood’s designs and shop her collection here.