Vivienne Westwood unveils her first full bridal corset collection at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, blending bold design, sustainability, and heritage craftsmanship under Brigitte Stepputtis’ creative direction.

Vivienne Westwood is set to unveil a new collection of corsets at the upcoming Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week (BBFW), scheduled for April 24, marking the brand’s first full bridal show presentation. The exclusive display will feature designs sculpted by Brigitte Stepputtis, Global Head of Haute Couture at Vivienne Westwood, who worked closely with the late designer from 1990 until Westwood’s passing in 2022.

Stepputtis highlights the philosophy behind the collection, emphasizing “a bold approach to design: corsetry that empowers, draping that sculpts the body, and historical references reimagined for the modern bride.” She explains that their work focuses on storytelling in fashion, aiming to create gowns that stand out and endure over time. The guiding mantra of the house—”Buy less, choose well, make it last”—reflects a commitment to sustainability and longevity in bridal wear, with each piece crafted to be timeless and passed down through generations.

A notable example of Westwood’s lasting influence is the iconic wedding dress worn by Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, a champagne satin asymmetrical strapless gown notable for its voluminous design. This dress was revitalized in the series And Just Like That, where it was repurposed for a Met Gala appearance. Stepputtis notes of the dress, “It was a milestone, and brides today continue to seek that same power and the ability to ‘tell’ a story with their dresses, with a design that makes them unique and has artisanal touches.” She adds that customization paired with respect for haute couture techniques remains essential.

Set against the backdrop of Barcelona, a city renowned for its Gothic architecture and the organic lines of Antoni Gaudí’s work, the collection is also inspired by the local environment and cultural heritage. “The nature and landscape of the city, all of that has inspired me to create the 2026 Couture and Make to Order collections,” Stepputtis says. The resulting designs fuse sculptural rigidity with fluidity, melding the opulence of old-world craftsmanship with elements of modern rebellion.

The London workshop of Vivienne Westwood is abuzz with activity just days before the BBFW showcase. Stepputtis points out, “It’s not just about displaying a collection, but celebrating the heritage of our fashion and the craftsmanship behind it. That’s why it is designed and handcrafted in our studio in London,” involving meticulous techniques such as hand-cut lace appliqués and traditional corsetry. The creative process for this collection includes innovative draping methods where fabric is molded directly onto the mannequin to produce unique silhouettes, preserving artisanal skills that are at risk of being lost. The collection also underscores a commitment to sustainable luxury.

Vivienne Westwood herself was deeply engaged with environmental concerns. The Guardian has reported on her visionary approach to the climate crisis, which called for radical changes across industries. Stepputtis remarks on the current moment in the wedding industry: “Consumers are questioning fast fashion and seeking authenticity, heritage, and ethical production.” She notes the opportunity for the bridal industry to champion craftsmanship over mass production and suggests that brands prioritizing artistic values over fleeting trends are positioned for success. To support this, Vivienne Westwood offers tailoring services aimed at giving wedding dresses a second life beyond the ceremony.

Maintaining Westwood’s ethos of challenging conventions, the upcoming collection incorporates asymmetry, layering, and unexpected proportions to offer a fresh perspective on traditional bridal attire. Stepputtis concludes, “The use of sustainable materials, whenever possible, is part of what we consider innovation,” asserting that this blend of rebellion, heritage, and sustainability represents the future direction of Vivienne Westwood’s bridal fashion.

Source: Noah Wire Services