Picture the corseted confines of the Elizabethan era clashing with the free-spirited flapper dresses of the 1920s. Fashion’s paradoxes unfold— how what we wear can both mask and reveal the complexities of our world. Fashion has been just the medium, showcasing how it both obscures and unveils the multifaceted nuances of each era throughout human history.
Despite being associated by the majority as a “female-oriented” field, fashion has long been dominated by men who run the hierarchy, while women have, once again, taken the backseat of this ever-evaluative car. There is no doubt that luminaries such as Gianni Versace, Ralph Lauren, and Alexander McQueen have had their seemingly perpetual accreditation, be it in the form of appreciation from critics or consumer-driven sales that broke records. However, many pioneers of this world have been females— women who did not receive the credit they deserved during their lifetime.
One clear example of that is the anti-capitalist British fashion designer, Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood. Born in 1941, her childhood a blur in the aftermath of the Second World War, Westwood’s enduring legacy has experienced an astonishing resurgence following her death. Mainly, her trademark bridal couture – which was a league away from mainstream (read: cringe) glitter and extravagance – has been soaring in demand. So much so that celebrities like Barbara Sprouse chose to wear designs from Westwood’s archives for her wedding, turning away from conventional choices made by most.
Tracing back a little, one must not overlook exactly how the simplicity of her structured corset gowns has overthrown the vast influence of the traditional fashion world in recent times. With the new “it” girl, Sofia Richie Grainge’s wedding, minimalism and (rather problematic and quite ironically) the quiet luxury aesthetic has risen in popularity—not so quiet, I guess. Social media applications have led to mass-market consumption of this trend, consumers being psychologically trained to accept this as the next best thing alongside the clean girl aesthetic.
Where 2022 was all about self-expression through bright, bold neons, and fitted latex leathers, minimalism is quite the downgrade from there. Seemingly, the only good yield has been to fast fashion retailers’ revenues and the much more acceptable appreciation for Westwood, elevating her work to a pinnacle of fashion consciousness.
From Marc Jacobs and other designers dedicating entire collections to Westwood’s enduring influence, Westwood’s impact is undeniable. Runways have become hallowed ground to her indelible mark on the fashion industry. Yet, her influence is not restricted to haute couture; it equally resonates among ordinary individuals who proudly celebrate the godmother of punk, weaving her groundbreaking ideas into their personal styles. Vivienne Westwood’s influence transcends societal boundaries, revolutionizing how consumers perceive and engage with fashion.
In a world where fashion trends often appear transient, Westwood’s work stands as a testament to her enduring vision. Her designs evoke a timeless quality, celebrating the fusion of tradition and innovation, be it through her audacious corset gowns that redefine femininity or her steadfast commitment to eco-conscious fashion, Westwood’s legacy is indelibly etched in the annals of fashion history.
Dame Vivienne Westwood’s enduring influence on fashion represents the zenith of female creativity. Her pioneering designs have not only challenged the established order but have transformed our perception of fashion today. As we embrace the resurgence of minimalism and the principles of sustainable fashion, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to this iconic designer who dared to defy a convention and redefine the very essence of style. Vivienne Westwood, the embodiment of female footprint in fashion, continues to inspire and provoke, reminding us that fashion is not merely about what we wear, but also about the powerful statements we make through our choices. Her influence is not merely here to stay; it is destined to shine even brighter for the future generations of fashion rebels and visionaries, securing its rightful place in the chronicles of fashion history.
By Amna Malik
Writer (Team 2023-2024)
Note: the views expressed in the article solely belong to the writer and do not reflect TLC.