The late Vivienne Westwood was one of fashion’s most innovative and renowned designers. An avid supporter and, frankly, pioneer of the punk 1970s punk movement, Westwood’s work for her eponymous brand was bold and unapologetic. Under the leadership of Westwood’s husband, on March 4, Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood returned to Paris Fashion Week with a collection that paid homage to the woman who first brought the brand to life. 

The Collection

The show opened with an explicit tribute to Westwood, with a T-shirt featuring a portrait of the designer, paired with a tartan mini skirt and patterned leggings. Every look that followed was reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood’s artistry throughout the years, showcasing a myriad of patterns, colors, and textures. “I thought of her in everything I did, about what were her favorite pieces,” Kronthaler told Vogue.

Corsetry stood out among the many elements Westwood was known for introducing in her runways. It made sense, then, that Kronthaler revisited the structured bodices that the Vivienne Westwood brand has been praised for. Fitted tops spilled into flaring skirts of various types, floral prints, pinstripes, and plaid fabrics of various colors fought for the spotlight, complementing each other look on the runway. Assorted organic patterns and playful prints gave puffed shoulders and loose trousers personality, while glimmering mesh, statement leggings, and asymmetrical hemlines recalled Westwood’s daring expertise.

Everything in the show was thoroughly thought-out, with accessories and footwear adding drama and beauty to the collection. Models were adorned with pig charms, thick metallic necklaces, and statement earrings as they walked down the runway wearing multiple types of platforms and flats. Kronthaler also succeeded in acknowledging current trends, incorporating details reminiscent of leg warmers into some of the collection’s footwear, as well as tapping into the chrome makeup craze popularized in recent seasons.

Closing the show was Westwood’s granddaughter, Cora Corré, who wore an intricate white mini dress decorated with lace. In traditional Vivienne Westwood fashion, the off-shoulder piece did — of course — feature a corset. With patterned knee-high boots and a bouquet in her right hand, Corré closed off a collection that indeed represented everything the late Vivienne Westwood was celebrated for.

The Guests

Many of fashion’s influential and risk-taking figures attended the show in honor of Westwood, at Hotel de la Marine. American singer-songwriter Halsey embraced Vivienne Westwood’s punk influences with a dark, cool-toned up-do courtesy of Marty Harper, wearing a mini dress with a corset and puffed sleeves. The singer starred in a special promotional video for the Fall 2023 collection, honoring Westwood in her own way. “Thank you Viv and Andreas Kronthaler for years of looks that have made me feel more courageous than ever,” they shared on Instagram.

Sharing the front row with Halsey was Julia Fox, wearing bold looks with Westwood-inspired hair and makeup to match. Celebrity stylist Law Roach and French influencer Léna Mahfouf also attended, joining the likes of model Georgia May Jagger and Japanese actress Riisa Naka.

Now helmed by Andreas Kronthaler — Westwood’s widower — the Vivienne Westwood brand still sustains an impressive legacy shaped by forward-thinking and rebellion. As fashion navigates a world without the revolutionary Dame, Kronthaler will surely continue to inspire in her name for the years to come. 

Want to see more of Paris Fashion Week? Read about Saint Laurent’s Fall Winter 2023 collection here!