To Honour the legacy of the iconic British fashion designer and activist, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Christie’s recently announced the forthcoming sale of her personal wardrobe.
This exclusive event is poised to not only celebrate the indelible mark left by Dame Vivienne but also to contribute to the charitable causes close to her heart.
As one of the preeminent figures in contemporary fashion, Dame Vivienne Westwood’s influence reverberates globally, and her contributions to the industry are unparalleled.
The Genesis of a Revolution
Born in 1941, Dame Vivienne Westwood epitomised rebellion and stood as an outsider with a profound calling to challenge conventions. Her innate desire to defy norms and dismantle the established system catapulted her into the realm of original thinkers.
Andreas Kronthaler, her husband and Creative Director of Vivienne Westwood®, meticulously curated this auction, handpicking iconic ensembles that encapsulate Dame Vivienne’s essence.
In the words of Andreas Kronthaler, “Vivienne was a genius, a rebel, our heroine.”
A Charitable Endeavour
This historic event spans four decades of Dame Vivienne’s illustrious career, presenting over 200 lots across two auctions. Each piece on offer represents a significant juncture in Dame Vivienne’s life journey, with the earliest ensemble dating back to Autumn/Winter 1983/84.
The auctions, comprising both a live sale in London on 25 June and an online auction from 14 to 28 June 2024, serve as a tribute to Dame Vivienne’s unparalleled vision and unwavering commitment to philanthropy.
A testament to her enduring legacy, a free public exhibition titled “Vivienne Westwood: The Personal Collection” will be held at Christie’s headquarters in London from 14 to 24 June.
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike to delve into the multifaceted world of Dame Vivienne Westwood and witness firsthand the evolution of her iconic style.
Honouring a Style Icon
The Vivienne Foundation, in collaboration with Christie’s, underscores Dame Vivienne’s status as a style icon throughout her lifetime. Her profound interest in intellectual and political discourse served as the bedrock of her revolutionary approach to fashion design. As expressed by The Vivienne Foundation, “There will simply never be another Vivienne Westwood.”
Adrian Hume Sayer, Director of Private & Iconic Collections at Christie’s, lauds Dame Vivienne Westwood’s unparalleled fusion of activism, art, and style. He remarks, “Vivienne Westwood’s sense of activism, art, and style is embedded in each and every piece that she created.”
The auctions at Christie’s promise to offer a captivating journey through Dame Vivienne’s extraordinary vision, shedding light on pivotal moments in her illustrious career.
Exploring Dame Vivienne’s Collections
Among the highlights of the auction is the Witches collection from Autumn/Winter 1983/84, a groundbreaking ensemble that drew inspiration from witchcraft and Keith Haring’s graphic symbolism. This collection, characterized by swirling silhouettes and exaggerated shoulders, received acclaim upon its presentation in Paris.
Dame Vivienne Westwood’s penchant for experimentation is evident in her Dressed to Scale collection from Autumn/Winter 1998/99. Through the manipulation of scale, she created garments that challenged perceptions and transcended conventional boundaries. This collection, reminiscent of Surrealist art, invited viewers to engage in introspection and dialogue.
The Power of Political Commentary
In a bold statement of political dissent, Dame Vivienne Westwood presented the Propaganda collection for Autumn/Winter 2005/06. Drawing from her punk roots and inspired by Aldous Huxley’s seminal essay, “Propaganda in a Democratic Society”, this collection served as a poignant commentary on contemporary socio-political landscapes.
With each ensemble meticulously curated to embody Dame Vivienne’s revolutionary spirit, Christie’s auctions offer a rare glimpse into the visionary world of a fashion luminary.
Conclusion
The forthcoming auctions of Dame Vivienne Westwood’s personal wardrobe represent a momentous occasion in the realm of fashion history. Through her pioneering designs and unwavering commitment to activism, Dame Vivienne Westwood left an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
As enthusiasts and collectors converge to celebrate her legacy, Christie’s stands as a beacon of reverence, honouring the enduring influence of a true icon.
Images: Christie’s
