A groundbreaking exhibition titled “Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery” is set to debut at Te Papa, Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum in Wellington, this summer. The showcase will highlight the significant role that jewellery and accessories played in the illustrious career of the late British fashion designer, Vivienne Westwood, who passed away at 81 in December 2022.
Westwood, known for her revolutionary contributions to fashion and the punk culture, emerged as a pivotal figure in London’s fashion scene during the 1970s. Alongside Malcolm McLaren, she co-founded the iconic boutique “SEX,” which became synonymous with the punk movement. Her designs were a staple at Paris Fashion Week until her death.
The exhibition will feature over 550 pieces, including more than 15 complete ensembles. It spans four decades of Westwood’s design legacy, showcasing the evolution and success of her fashion and accessories label. Curated by the house of Vivienne Westwood, the exhibition will premiere in New Zealand before touring Asia, Europe, and the USA starting in Spring 2025.
Courtney Johnston, Te Papa’s Chief Executive, praised Westwood as a “disruptor” and “activist,” stating, “She brought punk into mainstream fashion and jewellery, and is acknowledged worldwide as a true icon of contemporary design.” This exhibition marks the first time that these special archive and runway pieces have been curated together.
Attendees will experience a thematic journey through Westwood’s work, exploring distinct design decades—from punk origins to whimsical fantasies, ecological philosophies, and cultural explorations. The exhibition will include eclectic pairings of jewellery and garments, each presented as art pieces against a backdrop of prints, sounds, and video that evoke the spirit of past collections and runway shows.
Westwood’s career began with humble roots, selling jewellery at Portobello Road market in the 1970s before elevating costume jewellery to statement status on the catwalk. As noted by the Vivienne Westwood design team, “Jewellery plays an essential role in defining that iconic ‘Vivienne Westwood look,’ exploring the design codes and subversive spirit of the British design house.”
This unique exhibition promises to captivate fashion enthusiasts and offer an in-depth look at Westwood’s enduring influence on the industry.
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