In order to provide financial support for the fight against global warming, animal abuse, armed conflicts or the excesses of capitalism…, all these fights which mobilized the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood (1941-2022) during her lifetime, why not sell your wardrobe after your death?
Andreas Kronthaler, who was her husband and remains the artistic director of the brand, had already mentioned the idea. “She was completely in agreement and we are delighted to honor this visionary wish today,” rejoices Adrian Hume Sayer. Director of private and iconic collections at Christie’s, he is the one who supervises the sale in question, online and in person in London, from June 14.
Frock coats, tartan, graffiti and slogans, frills and satins, 18th century corsetse and punk details… The ingredients of the Westwood style punctuate the lots presented, whether they were created and/or worn by her, from the navy cotton twill ensemble from fall-winter 1983 to the dress “Cinderella” from spring-summer 2011, composed of a corset and a gathered skirt in blue and gray satin. “This piece, among the most notable, is inspired by Russian ballets, recalls Adrian Hume Sayer. Vivienne, who adored it, patched it magnificently several times. Its visible handmade stitching reflects its philosophy and taste for repair. »
Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International and The Vivienne Foundation, a non-profit structure launched by her family in 2023, will reap the benefits of these auctions. The vestiges of a fashion that sometimes tightens the waist but always raises its fist.
Sale Vivienne Westwood: The Personal Collectionon christies.com from June 14 to 28, and at Christie’s, 8 King Street, London, on June 25.