Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood DBE RDI was a titan in the fashion world, celebrated for her audacious designs and her pivotal role in bringing punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream. Born on April 8, 1941, Westwood’s influence extended far beyond clothing; she was an artist, a provocateur, and an activist. Her work challenged conventions and often carried powerful political messages. In 2022, Sky Arts recognized her immense impact, ranking her as the fourth most influential artist in Britain over the past 50 years.
Westwood’s journey in fashion began in the early 1970s when she and her then-partner, Malcolm McLaren, opened a boutique on King’s Road. Initially named “Let It Rock,” the shop sold 1950s-inspired Teddy Boy clothes, reflecting a youth subculture that both Westwood and McLaren found fascinating. As the boutique evolved into “Too Fast to Live Too Young to Die” and later “Sex,” it became the epicenter of the burgeoning punk movement. Here, Westwood’s designs—featuring safety pins, chicken bones, and provocative slogans—helped shape the visual identity of punk rock.
The transition of their boutique into “Sex” in 1974 marked a significant shift. The store’s fetish-inspired clothing, intentionally designed to shock and provoke, played a crucial role in the formation of the punk aesthetic. Westwood’s designs from this era, such as rubber skirts, ripped t-shirts, and bondage trousers, became synonymous with punk’s rebellious spirit. As the punk scene grew, the boutique, now renamed “Seditionaries,” continued to be a hub for punk fashion, further cementing Westwood’s status as a revolutionary designer.
Westwood’s influence extended well beyond the punk era. Her collections drew inspiration from historical garments and artworks, blending the past with contemporary fashion in innovative ways. Over the decades, she continued to break boundaries, collaborating with notable figures and institutions, and advocating for various causes, including environmental sustainability and civil rights. Despite the controversies and challenges, Westwood remained a formidable force in fashion, her legacy enduring through her timeless designs and the countless individuals she inspired. This guide will delve into the distinctive features of Vivienne Westwood’s logos and tags across different decades, helping you identify vintage pieces that carry her iconic touch.
70s Vivienne Westwood Interview in Sex
How to tell if Vivienne Westwood is vintage from the logo
Vivienne Westwood is a renowned fashion brand known for its unique and avant-garde designs. Over the years, the brand has used different logos that can help in identifying whether a Vivienne Westwood piece is vintage. The logos have evolved in style, reflecting different eras of the brand’s history. Here is a guide to help you determine if your Vivienne Westwood item is vintage based on the logo.
1980s to now Vivienne Westwood logo
- The logo prominently features the iconic orb with a cross, symbolizing the brand’s blend of traditional and punk influences.
- The text “Vivienne Westwood” is written in a distinctive, stylized font that has become synonymous with the brand.
- The design is detailed and intricate, reflecting the brand’s commitment to high fashion and unique aesthetics.
- This logo has remained relatively consistent since its introduction, making it a staple identifier for Vivienne Westwood products.
1980s to now Vivienne Westwood logo
How to tell if Vivienne Westwood is vintage from the tags
Vivienne Westwood, an iconic fashion designer, has seen her brand’s tags evolve over the decades, reflecting changes in style, branding, and production. From the “Worlds End” tags to the more recent “Red Label” and “Anglomania” tags, each era offers distinct features that can help identify vintage pieces.
Struggling with vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!
1980s vintage Vivienne Westwood tags
- Transition to the iconic “Vivienne Westwood” name with bold serif lettering.
- Includes additional descriptors such as “Man” or “Anglomania.”
- Rectangular or square tags, sometimes with size indicators.
1980s Vivienne Westwood tags
1990s vintage Vivienne Westwood tags
- Tags prominently feature the “Vivienne Westwood” logo with orb symbol.
- Introduction of “Red Label” with distinctive red background and yellow or white text.
- Size indicators are often included, sometimes on separate tags.
1990s Vivienne Westwood tags
2000s vintage Vivienne Westwood tags
- Modernized tags with a variety of background colors such as black and red.
- Bold serif lettering remains, often accompanied by the orb symbol.
- Introduction of additional labels such as “Made in Italy” and “Red Label.”
2000s Vivienne Westwood tags
2010s vintage Vivienne Westwood tags
- Retains classic logo while introducing modern layouts and designs.
- Wide variety of materials and colors used for tags.
- Additional branding such as “Anglomania” and “Red Label” with updated designs.
2010s Vivienne Westwood tags
