Vivienne Westwood, British designer and punk fashion icon, died on December 29. “Vivienne Westwood died peacefully and surrounded by her family in Clapham, south London. The world needs people like Vivienne to change things for the better,” her fashion house said in a statement. During her career, which boomed in the 1970s, when she created the image of the legendary punk band The Sex Pistols. Westwood has always known how to make a difference and she has leveraged the opportunities the runway offers through fashion shows, through pieces from her collections and also in her public appearances to showcase her environmentally conscious vision and address climate change, pollution and “buy less” (buy less and choose well).
Vivienne Westwood’s style still resonates today as new singers of the moment don their historically inspired dresses. They are easily recognizable, while the corset bodices sublimate the bust and accentuate the waist. Some fall for draped versions, short or long, while others prefer voluminous taffeta skirts.
In addition, the importance of the Vivienne Westwood label in contemporary and popular fashion is underlined in the film from the cult series Sex and the City. Fans remember Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding dress when she married Big. Patricia Fields, the costume designer for the series and films, opted for an ivory creation made of duchesse satin and the house’s emblematic taffeta for the big moment when she had all the choices in the world! Additionally, Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, was spotted in said dress during the filming of And Just Like That… Season 2 (the sequel to the popular series), but this time paired it with a matching teal cape, opera gloves and pumps.
So here are some outfits that honor Dame Westwood’s vision.
At the recent MET Gala, singer SZA wore a magenta creation by Vivienne Westwood, which featured a high slit, thigh-high boots and latex opera gloves. She had accessorized her outfit with a capeline.
Dua Lipa.jpgAt the 2021 Brit Awards, singer Dua Lipa opted for a yellow strapless mini dress adorned with mauve netting. She wore Vivienne Westwood’s famous platform shoes and Orb necklace.
Olivia Rodrigo slipped into a black shift dress during the 2022 Grammys ceremony, with crystals framing a feminine silhouette.
PHOTO:wenn23857143.Blake Lively.jpg For the premiere of Slack Day at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, Blake Lively opted for an aquamarine ruffled dress with a bodice adorned with three-dimensional flowers.
Anya Taylor-Joy chose an intricate creation by Vivienne Westwood to attend the 2019 Critics Circle Film Awards.
Kate Hudson was radiant at the Vanity Fair after-party in 2020 wearing a yellow jacquard dress accented with silver flowers by Vivienne Westwood.
Marlee Matlin supported Westwood’s eco-conscious vision and wore a custom-tailored, eco-friendly gown in black vegan textile (RCGD Global) featuring archival footage by Vivienne Westwood to the 2021 Oscars.
Before she became a star of flawless style, Zendaya already knew the classics. At the 2015 Oscars, she opted for a draped white silk Vivienne Westwood gown.
After this Hooded Pulloverthe hooded dress
After the hoodie wave, which was part of the elements of many outfits during the pandemic, a micro trend shaped the red carpets at the end of the year, the hooded dress.
It was popularized in the 1980s by fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa and singer-actress Grace Jones, both in life and on screen. The hood detail, and in particular the hooded dress, was an essential part of the wardrobe for May Day, the role played by Jones in the James Bond film Dangerously Yours. The designer’s vision gave the eccentric Jamaican even more extravagance and sexuality.
Will the current gain momentum in the coming months? Judging by these looks, the hooded dress brings a sensual and enigmatic elegance to whoever dons it.
Margot Robbie and Bella Hadid have both taken the torch from Grace Jones by promoting the hooded Alaïa dress.
Saint Laurent also offers its versions, taken here by Laura Harrier and Amber Valletta.
Credit: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fashion Trust
To liven up the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize Awards, Jodie Turner-Smith donned six outfits, two of which included a hood; a black velvet dress by Gucci and a pantsuit by Jean Paul Gaultier.
Naomi Ackie and Michaela Coel opted for sparkling versions of the trend; a silver creation by Atelier Versace for one and a strapless dress by Ferragamo.