After a hiatus of several years, the Vivienne Westwood brand returned to the world’s catwalks, closing Shanghai Fashion Week with a show of the Spring/Summer 2025 collection. The brand is looking for its way after the designer’s death in 2022. The show attracted the attention of fashion lovers. It is also a symbolic moment for the brand itself. What made the Vivienne Westwood SS 25 show special? Is the Vivienne Westwood brand still following the path of rebellion, or is it heading in a completely new direction?
Vivienne Westwood SS25: Gender Fluidity on the New
The very beginning of the show promised something special. Andreas Kronthaler, the creative leader of the brand, decided to bet on bold combinations: a men’s striped suit, juxtaposed with silver leather heeled shoes. Models in black dresses, including one with a basketball, caused a lot of excitement. It was a clear manifestation of gender, which has been in the brand’s DNA for years. Kronthaler is boldly continuing the legacy of her partner and mentor, Vivienne Westwood. Her provocative, bold designs have always challenged social norms.
It is interesting to note that Vivienne Westwood experimented with gender themes as early as the 1980s, introducing models in skirts on the runways. At the time, this was an absolute revolution. The Vivienne Westwood SS25 show in Shanghai is certainly a tribute to tradition brands. It shows that in fashion, boundaries are there to be broken.
A mix of styles and cultures
Vivienne Westwood SS25 collection is a real mix of styles. On the one hand, we have typically commercial ready-to-wear pieces such as T-shirts, denim mini skirts, jackets and sporty ensembles. On the other hand, Kronthaler couldn’t resist the brand’s classic elements that have defined its style for years – checkered suits, corsets and distinctive draped dresses.
An interesting touch was the attempt to incorporate Chinese cultural elements. Mao style jacket inspires. While this was a hit with some, others criticized the lack of deeper understanding and context. However, it is worth mentioning that attempts to combine Western culture with local traditions are difficult. They often evoke mixed reactions. Will Vivienne Westwood be able to better combine avant-garde style with Chinese aesthetics? That is what we will find out in the coming seasons.
Classics, boldness and luxury – the DNA of Vivienne Westwood SS25
The collection shines where Kronthaler references Vivienne Westwood classics. The distinctive tailored blazers, corsets and iconic check patterns returned to the catwalks and immediately won acclaim. Punk and rebellion in an upscale look. In particular, draped dresses and shiny mini dresses seem to be a nod to the brand’s growing popularity among celebrities. Curiosity? In recent years, Westwood creations have been worn by Taylor Swift and Malia Obama.
Interestingly, this is the first time Kronthaler has decided to abandon a menswear line in favor of a full focus on women. By his own admission, he “wanted to focus on women’s silhouettes without the distraction of men’s designs.”
In the world of fashion, Vivienne Westwood is still an icon, and her brand, even after the death of its founder, continues to stir emotions. Collection SS25 proves that the brand’s heart beats in the spirit of rebellious and avant-garde fashion. Will Andreas Kronthaler manage to maintain this unique blend of provocation and classics?
Luxury News Editor
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Source: kendam.com
Brand name: Vivienne Westwood
