“Andreas bought me The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe (Johan Wolfgang von Goethe, 1774). It was the first tragic novel and caused a sensation, as well as being one of the factors that led to the Romantic movement.
Napoleon took “Werther” on his Egyptian campaign in 1798 and when he met Goethe in 1808, he told him he had read the book seven times – he decorated it. It is still a model of literature in school curricula throughout Europe”. Vivienne Westwood
The Vivienne Westwood Fall Winter 2024/25 new collection starts here, looking at the ‘Empire style’ of the 19th century: the Napoleonic aesthetic and extravagant opulence of Imperial Rome, with references to classical antiquity and military uniforms.
Long sleeves, high collars and draping. Gold metal hardware, shiny leather equestrian accessories and ballet shoes. We shot on an English farm, amid pastoral bucolic landscapes and still lifes: typically romantic settings.
The draped Lochcarron of Scotland wool tartan and other tartan prints appear on outerwear, tailored suits, shirts and dresses. Details inspired by military uniforms decorate jacquard knitwear.
Skirts with a bulging shape at the back are created in practical organic cotton drill. Harris Tweed is combined with denim, some tailored pieces feature stripes in earthy tones and ripped knitwear, together with toe shoes, add to the collection’s wild mood.
Camouflage also appears. The ‘Rubbish’ motif is printed on cotton canvas and worn in combination with knitwear. The ‘Felt Tip’ pattern is offered on jersey pieces and ‘Graffiti’ artwork on the Cobrax corset and Double Waistband Foam skirt. The floral and graphic illustrations are produced in collaboration with Revere the Residence.
“For this collection Vivienne Westwood collaborated with Revere the Residence: the Hackney-based social enterprise that works with people with learning disabilities to create employment opportunities. Revere the Residence works with Mencap, universities, communities and local authorities to establish strong links and provide opportunities in the arts for people with disabilities. The artists’ work within this collection includes the graphic ‘More will be no more’ and the artwork ‘Flower’ used as a print.”
Draped dresses in fluid jersey feature our ‘Salon’ print from the 1990s. There are also metallic and deconstructed knitwear, satin tailored suits and velvet brocade corsetry: historical silhouettes, subverted.
P.Rew.: Vivienne Westwood Press Office
