The Wicked, Beautiful World of Vivienne Westwood

What does it take to make a Vivienne Westwood shirt? Take conventional fashion and toss it out the window. Throw in a dash of European history, sprinkle on a bit of punk flavor and let it sizzle. There’s a method to Ms. Westwood’s madness and it has created an iconic brand of whimsical garments, impeccable tailoring and zany silhouettes that have defined punk-rock fashion since 1981.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the twisted world of Vivienne Westwood shirts.

Punk Pirate

Westwood’s very first runway show took things back to a time of swashbuckling, rowdy 18th-century pirates—when outlaws roamed free and the prevalent mentality was “anything goes.” With its bold prints, pirate hats and overall punk-rock feel, the collection set the tone for the Vivienne Westwood brand. Inject a bit of Old World charm into your everyday look with a black, strap-detail shirt, drop-crotch trousers, a skull ring and several braided leather bracelets.

Rebel Prince

The designer’s foray into pirate lore was just the tip of the iceberg. In the ‘90s, Ms. Westwood took a distinctly aristocratic turn with Tudor-style gowns, ruffles, bodices and full skirts. It was all about the pageantry and might of the Elizabethan era with a provocative twist. Step out in all of your regal glory wearing a checker-patterned jacquard shirt, a red pea coat, white pants and beige lace-up shoes.

Free Spirit

Our fearless hero developed a taste for European tailoring and, in particular, a way of cutting a garment’s fabric to reveal another pattern underneath. Vivienne Westwood took the 16th-century cut-and-slash method and ran with it, using it on everything from denim suits to floor-length gowns. Carry on VW’s free spirit by wearing a zig-zag, patterned button-up with a pair of heavily-distressed jeans and a biker jacket.

Innovative, dramatic and just a tad bit off her rocker, the rebel designer makes clothing with character. Take on one of her legendary personas with a Vivienne Westwood shirt.

Do you have what it takes to wear a Vivienne Westwood shirt?