Summary of "The Enduring Appeal of Vivienne Westwood" – Style-ish Podcast

Released on February 11, 2025 by Shameless Media

Style-ish is the podcast dedicated to exploring all facets of fashion, brand, business, and beauty.

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Style-ish, hosted by Maddie along with guest hosts Joanna Fleming and Rhea, the trio delves deep into the life and legacy of Vivienne Westwood, a towering figure in the fashion industry. The discussion navigates through Westwood's transformative impact on fashion, her storied career, and the complexities surrounding her brand's continuation after her passing.

Fashion Swap Segment

The episode kicks off with the beloved "Fashion Swap" segment, where each host shares their latest fashion finds and recommendations:

• Rhea’s Pick: Pinky and Kamal Pilates Socks [02:00]

  • Rhea introduces these stylish and comfortable socks, perfect for Pilates enthusiasts. She highlights their grip and versatility, mentioning how she wears them both in class and during casual outings like brunch with friends.
  • Rhea says: “They are so comfy and they look so cute.”

• Maddie’s Choice: Cotton On’s All Day Tee [04:24]

  • Maddie shares her discovery of the All Day Tee from Cotton On, praising its flattering fit and affordability compared to her previous baggy T-shirts. She appreciates its versatility, pairing it effortlessly with activewear for a polished look.
  • Maddie remarks: “I have never felt more beautiful in a dress.”

• Joanna’s Recommendation: People Hair Care Slick Styler [05:41]

  • Joanna recommends this portable hair styler from Kohl’s, appreciating its ease of use and compact size, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. She contrasts it with more traditional pomades, valuing its flexibility and durability.
  • Joanna notes: “It's very practical and handbag friendly.”

Tracing Vivienne Westwood’s Legacy

Early Life and Education

Vivienne Isabel Swire was born in 1941 in a small village near Manchester, UK. At 17, her family moved to North West London, where she was accepted into the prestigious Harrow School of Art [12:00]. Initially enrolling in a silversmithing course, Vivienne left after a semester, citing the challenges of making a living as a working-class artist. She transitioned to teaching to support herself, defining her passion for art through education.

• Vivienne stated: “I didn't know how a working class girl like me could possibly make a living in the art world.” [12:33]

Personal Life and Early Career

Vivienne married Derek Westwood in 1962, adopting his surname which became integral to her brand identity. Their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce two years after the birth of their son, Ben, in 1965. Vivienne then partnered with Malcolm McLaren, a prominent figure in London’s underground art scene, to launch fashion ventures on Kings Road.

• Maddie observes: “Vivienne is often called the godmother of punk” [20:12]

Rise of Punk and Cultural Influence

Together, Vivienne and Malcolm opened several stores, including Let It Rock, Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die, Sex, Seditionaries, and World's End. Their store became the heart of London’s burgeoning punk scene, playing a pivotal role in the formation of the Sex Pistols, who became synonymous with punk culture.

• Rhea adds: “Corsets by Vivienne have a punk edge,” reflecting on how her designs incorporated structured, sexy elements that resonated with the punk ethos. [16:35]

Vivienne's collaboration with Malcolm extended beyond fashion, influencing music and art, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

Solo Career and Brand Evolution

In 1985, Vivienne launched her solo collection, Mini Crinny, marking a shift towards tailored designs. Her fashion shows were renowned for their theatricality and fun, a stark contrast to the stiff, supermodel-dominated runways of the 1980s.

Despite respect from peers, Vivienne often faced mockery from the establishment. A notable instance was her appearance on the British talk show Wogan, where her innovative designs were met with ridicule.

• Sarah Stockbridge, Vivienne’s former muse, lamented: “Vivienne had been invited on the show to be a joke. She almost had to justify herself.” [28:14]

Expansion and Controversy

The 1990s saw massive growth for Vivienne Westwood’s brand, with expansions into Japan and the U.S., the release of her first menswear collection, fragrances, and a deep dive into bridal couture. Her personal life continued to intertwine with her professional endeavors, including her marriage to Austrian designer Andreas Kronthala in 1993, despite a significant age gap.

However, tensions arose as Vivienne's anti-capitalist values clashed with the commercial demands of expanding her brand. Vivienne expressed dissatisfaction with the label’s direction, especially regarding its financial ambitions, which she felt conflicted with her principles.

• Joanna reflects: “If her wishes were for the label to die with her, I don't know how I feel about that.” [39:48]

Modern Influence and Legacy

Vivienne Westwood's designs continue to make waves in contemporary fashion. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa, and Madison Beer have recently been spotted wearing her iconic pieces, ensuring her legacy endures.

• Maddie shares her personal connection: “I have never felt more beautiful in a dress.” [46:16]

Vivienne’s influence is also evident in the continued popularity of her bridal collections, such as the Camille dress, which has become a favorite among brides for its timeless elegance and versatility.

Posthumous Brand Dynamics

After Vivienne’s passing in December 2022, her husband Andreas Kronthala chose to continue the House of Westwood, despite Vivienne’s wishes for the label to cease operations upon her death. This decision has sparked debate among the hosts regarding the morality and integrity of perpetuating a brand that may diverge from the founder’s original values.

• Rhea states: “It feels uncomfortable for me.” [40:17]

The brand has seen a significant 31.5% increase in revenues posthumously, raising questions about the commercialization of Vivienne's ideals.

• Joanna comments: “All right, up next, we'll be diving into our traced on Vivienne Westwood.” [09:00]

Ethical Considerations of Brand Continuation

The hosts discuss the ethical implications of continuing Vivienne Westwood’s brand without her direct involvement, weighing the benefits of preserving her legacy against the potential dilution of her anti-capitalist ethos.

• Maddie muses: “Fashion is so much bigger than just one person. It’s about ensuring the creative direction honors the original creative director.” [40:42]

They draw parallels to other iconic brands, questioning whether the continuation aligns with or betrays the founder’s original vision.

Conclusion

The episode concludes by celebrating Vivienne Westwood’s indelible mark on fashion, her fearless approach to design, and her unwavering commitment to political activism. Despite the controversies surrounding her brand's continuation, her influence remains pervasive, inspiring new generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

• Maddie reflects: “Vivienne never took herself too seriously. … she's going to be missed.” [46:06]
• Joanna adds: “We love a trace.” [47:32]
• Rhea concludes: “We love a trace.” [47:32]

Vivienne Westwood’s legacy is not just in her designs but in her ability to challenge norms and use fashion as a medium for change, ensuring her place as a true icon in the fashion world.

Notable Quotes

• Rhea on Vivienne’s punk influence:
  “Corsets by Vivienne have a punk edge.” [16:35]

• Vivienne’s Resilience:
  Vivienne didn’t let mockery deter her creative spirit.

• Joanna on Brand Continuation Ethics:
  “If her wishes were for the label to die with her, I don't know how I feel about that.” [39:48]

• Maddie on Personal Connection to Vivienne’s Design:
  “I have never felt more beautiful in a dress.” [46:16]

• Rhea on Ethical Concerns:
  “It feels uncomfortable for me.” [40:17]

Final Remarks

The hosts express their gratitude to each other, the research team, and their listeners, encouraging fans to delve deeper into Vivienne Westwood’s rich history and enduring impact on fashion. They emphasize the importance of understanding the full scope of her influence to appreciate the true essence of her work.

• Maddie concludes: “Thank you for joining us this week.” [48:27]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the rich discussions, key insights, and memorable moments from the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.