Vivienne Westwood celebrated in Walker Art Gallery display
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The ground-breaking design career of the late Vivienne Westwood is being celebrated in a display at the Walker Art Gallery.
Vivienne Westwood: Designer in Focus is on show in the venue’s recently regenerated ground floor Craft and Design Gallery until October.
The mini exhibition seeks to showcase Westwood’s remarkable five-decade career – from her early days as a punk pioneer to Dame of the British Empire and fashion icon, and many of the items on display come from National Museums Liverpool’s own collection. Others have been loaned.
Items on show include rare pieces from her early years working with Malcolm McLaren, a grey wool 'Koo tunic' from the Witches Collection (1983-84) featuring artwork by Keith Haring, 'Dunbar Suit' in pink Gordon tartan from her Anglomania Collection (1993-94) once worn by Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Holly Johnson, and a black velvet suit from the Time Machine Collection (1988-89) gifted by Liverpool-born model Julie Bramwell.
Visitors can discover how Westwood's creative vision evolved from the punk aesthetic of their Kings Road shop SEX to her later explorations of historical dress, global cultures, and classic British tailoring.
Above and top: Vivienne Westwood: Designer in Focus is at the Walker Art Gallery until October. © National Museums Liverpool
NML’s head of decorative arts Pauline Rushton says: “Vivienne Westwood was one of Britain's most visionary designers, whose influence extends far beyond fashion into art, culture, and even politics.
"This display offers visitors an amazing opportunity to explore the evolution of her extraordinary designs and understand how she transformed from punk provocateur to Dame of the British Empire.
“Many of these remarkable garments come from our own collection, reflecting Liverpool's long-standing fashion connections.
“The addition of several key loans allows us to present a comprehensive view of Westwood's creative journey and her enduring legacy as an avant-garde artist who continuously challenged conventions.”
Vivienne Westwood: Designer in Focus is at the Walker Art Gallery until October 26.