Tribute to Vivienne Westwood – January’s Thrifty Six

When I heard about the death of Vivienne Westwood I was really shocked and saddened. Although she was 81 her energy and drive belied her age. She was a true icon of British fashion, having been instrumental in bringing punk into mainstream fashion. Her store SEX (co-founded with Malcolm McLaren) was the hub of punk fashion throughout the ‘70s. McLaren also managed the Sex Pistols and Westwood became the band’s outfitter.

I just about remember the punk era of the late seventies; at the time, the music sounded awful to my young ears but that all changed in my teenage years. I still love punk music now, and while the fashion isn’t exactly my thing (not colourful enough) I like to experiment with it every now and then.

You don’t need an actual designer piece to pay tribute to Vivienne Westwood

When I think of Vivienne Westwood I instantly think of tartan/plaid and the iconic orb symbol. (I once owned a Vivienne Westwood purse, but sadly it was the victim of a rather wild night out.) I’d love to own a Vivienne Westwood bag – maybe I will look for a preloved one on Vestiaire. I do own a red dress from the Anglomania collection, but it’s really a summer dress and I’ve packed it away. I also had a striped skirt from that line but the hem was faulty so I sent it back.

But of course you don’t need an actual designer piece to pay tribute to Vivienne Westwood; a little bit of tartan/plaid and black (faux) leather achieves the overall aesthetic. I’ve combined the infamous Sex Pistols T-shirt with a tartan biker jacket and pencil skirt (a nod to Dame Vivienne’s classier designs). The spike jewellery and studded bag give the outfit a fierce, punky edge.

Viv Albertine of punk band the Slits said that Vivienne and Malcolm used clothes to “shock, irritate and provoke a reaction but also to inspire change. Mohair jumpers, knitted on big needles, so loosely that you can see all the way through them, T-shirts slashed and written on by hand, seams and labels on the outside, showing the construction of the piece; these attitudes are reflected in the music we make. It’s OK to not be perfect, to show the workings of your life and your mind in your songs and your clothes”.

I think that’s why I like punk music – it’s powerful, to the point and often rough around the edges. It speaks truth to power and often shocks. And I’ve always had a rebellious streak! There are similarities between the 1970s and now, particularly in the UK. Back then there were strikes, high inflation and a cost of living crisis. And here we are again! This time we also have the biggest crisis of all to contend with: climate change.

“Buy Less, Choose Well and Make It Last”

Vivienne Westwood spoke about the need to change our spending behaviour in order to address the ethical and environmental issues of the fashion industry. She argued that clothes should cost more than they do, and that her shop in Paris would feature the words ‘buy less, choose well, make it last’ splashed across the display window. Wise words. And if you can buy it second hand then that’s even better for the environment…and your finances!

SHOP THE LOOK

 

 

French Connection jacket (eBay) | T-shirt from eBay | Peridot skirt (old) | Zara boots (eBay) | Modalu bag (eBay) | Hoops and Chains earrings | H&M sunglasses (old)

Let’s see what my thrifty friends have chosen to pay tribute to Vivienne Westwood…

Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge

“When Emma suggested a Tribute to Vivienne Westwood, I was super excited to get back to some of my punk rock/Goth roots with a thrifty twist! When I think of Dame Westwood and her personal style, I think punk, plaid, and fierce femininity. So I grabbed some punky preloved plaids in pink and purple and began my layering magic ala Dame Vivienne Westwood. I think she would approve!” 

Grace of Graceful Rags

“I’ve got to admit, I had never heard of Vivienne Westwood before this month’s theme was announced… I did some searching on Pinterest and was inspired by the funky pinstripe and windowpane patterns of some of Westwood’s runway looks. I searched my closet and landed on this grey and blue pinstripe skirt suit that was handed down to me by a family member. To add some of the edgy, more goth elements of the designer’s style, I opted for a dark lipstick, thrifted oxblood Mary Janes, and layered pearl necklaces. I even attempted some knee socks and mesh gloves but decided those accessories felt too costume-y. I love how powerful I felt in this outfit!”

Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade

“I curtsy to the Queen of Fashion!…

Vivienne Westwood sadly passed away on 29^th December – a massive loss to the fashion world!

Icon, legend in her own lifetime and personal hero of mine!

The Thrifty Six are proud to celebrate Vivienne in our January post.

I’m wearing three of her pieces but more than that, I’m channelling her spirit…

…rebellious, fearless and totally original – alive with anarchic attitude!

Visual architect of the punk revolution, a game-changer for me and so many others…”

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style

“I immediately thought of tulle and lace-up boots. Because when I think of a tribute to Dame Vivienne Westwood, I immediately think of punk. Of course this Lady is much more than that. But I wanted to keep it punky. I admired her so much in the 80’s when she and Malcolm McLaren had their shop SEX in London. I loved those plaid skirts and jackets and searched for that. As I didn’t own a pre loved one. And this, to me is the perfect one, a plaid jacket a la Vivienne Westwood!”

That’s all from the Thrifty Six for this month…well, technically the Thrifty Five. BUT…I’m delighted to say that Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style will be joining us from next month!

This is where I link up!

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