For someone who regularly swatted away the industry that made her, audacious British fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood certainly knew her way around a garment. And she knew how to provoke. “I don’t follow fashion,” Westwood once told the New York Times. “I’ve never been interested in it.” Collectors are certainly interested in her work, and vintage Vivienne Westwood dresses, handbags, lingerie and jackets have become very desirable over the years.
Westwood was born Vivienne Isabel Swire in a village in Derbyshire, in central England, but moved to London as a teen. In the early 1960s, she began to make her own necklaces and other jewelry and met an artist, activist and entrepreneur named Malcolm McLaren. They became involved romantically and she made clothes for him in the style of the Teddy Boys — the city’s music-crazed, occasionally violent teenagers at the time who wore high-waisted trousers and tailored velvet blazers that drew on Edwardian-era fashions.
Westwood and McLaren opened a vintage shop on King’s Road in London in 1971. The flared denim and peasant blouses of the 1960s, then still popular with the “peace and love” set, didn’t hold any weight for Westwood. Instead, she was interested in provocative, edgy apparel. She repaired used clothing and endeavored to create bold new designs from scratch.
Together Westwood and McLaren sold older rock-and-roll records, customized T-shirts with antiestablishment slogans, biker jackets and snug trousers inspired by the Marlon Brando film The Wild One as well as bondage fetish wear. The shop, once called Let It Rock and then Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die before Sex became a more appropriate moniker, evolved into a youth mecca. The DIY garments — zippered tops, burnt tees emblazoned with anarchist messages — flew off the shelves. More notably, it brought punk to the masses.
Westwood was soon dressing the Sex Pistols, a band that McLaren managed, all the while bridging the gap between music and fashion in a manner that has reverberated throughout the industry for decades.
In 1981, the couple’s first fashion show marked the debut of their Pirate collection — a swashbuckler-themed line that sprang from Westwood’s research into Indigenous Americans and the “power garments” of the Louis XIV era. The collection’s ample proportions and cutting-edge tailoring countered punk’s geometry and tight latex fits as well as what rocker Adam Ant called the “Puritanism” that plagued England at the time. The Pirate collection’s enduring influence on the world of fashion as well as the theatrical work of designers such as John Galliano and Alexander McQueen is undeniable.
For the colorful corsets of her 1990 Portrait collection, Westwood drew on 18th-century oil paintings — her models donned the pearl necklaces that have become a social media star and a favorite of influencers and fashion lovers all over the world. For a jacket-and-shorts suit from her Fall/Winter 1996–97 Storm in a Teacup line, the designer used the extreme asymmetry of a tartan mash-up to confront, according to Westwood, “the horror of uniformity and minimalism.”
The self-taught Westwood enjoyed a rapid ascent in fashion, with British society embracing her looks and Vogue immortalizing them in its glossy pages. She garnered accolades for introducing corsets to the runway and dressed Kate Moss and Helena Bonham Carter. And an original Vivienne Westwood wedding dress is featured in 2008’s Sex and the City film.
The fires of political and environmental activism burned brightly for Westwood: She was a Greenpeace ambassador, having designed the organization’s official “Save the Arctic” logo; her clothing brand is committed to using recycled canvas and other eco-friendly materials in the production process; and in 2020, she protested the extradition of Julian Assange by suspending herself in a bird cage outside London’s Old Bailey court. But she will always be the grande dame of British design.
Find an extraordinary range of vintage Vivienne Westwood shirts, shoes, gowns and other items today on 1stDibs.
Pale Blue Vintage Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Paisley Jacquard Blazer - Jacket
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Sheffield, GB
A superb, rare Vintage Vivienne Westwood Jacket in sea foam blue and dusty pink Paisley jacquard. This remarkable blazers seams fit close to the body, it features a simple plunged V ...
Vivienne Westwood black velvet glitter figure hugging maxi dress, fw 1991
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood black velvet glitter figure hugging maxi dress Always on Camera, Fall-Winter 1991
F/W 2011 Vivienne Westwood Dusty Pink Antique Gold Taffeta Structured Skirt
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Beautiful structured Vivienne Westwood skirt from the Fall / Winter 2011 collection, in Shades of Mulberry and iridescent gold two tone taffetta, featuring a draped silhouette and ...
Vivienne Westwood Spring-Summer 1992 brown leather corset and mini skirt
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood Spring-Summer 1992 brown leather corset with boning, zip fastening and two long tie-up sashes at the front. High waisted mini skirt with slit at the rear.
1994 Vivienne Westwood 3-piece Leopard skirt, vest and jacket suit
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Stunning leopard 3 piece set is notable piece from Vivienne Westwood's 1994 fw collection. The print made its debut in October 1993 during the Fall/Winter 1994 "Café Society' collection, representing one of the designer's most iconic moments. On that memorable occasion, the jacket adorned the graceful model, Helena Christensen. "Café Society" reimagines European history's impact on women's fashion, posing the question: How does a woman appear when freed from restrictions? Vivienne Westwood, a challenger of fashion authority, draws inspiration from Charles Frederick Worth, the 19th-century founder of haute couture. By incorporating elements like ivory tassels, Westwood transforms the traditional Victorian bustle...
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD draped black wool coat
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Dramatic, draped, black wool coat with asymmetrical front from Vivienne Westwood. UK size 14 which can fit a US 4-8. Approximate measurements: bust 40", arm length from underarm to ...
Vivienne Westwood X Chrissie Hynde ‘One Fun September’ Hebo Top - NEW - Size M
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in KENT, United Kingdom
Product Details: Vivienne Westwood X Chrissie Hynde ‘One Fun September’ Hebo Top - NEW - Size Medium Label: Vivienne Westwood X Chrissie Hynde Size: M Fabric Content: Forest Positi...
Vivienne Westwood black sheepskin coat, fw 1992
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood rare coat ▪ Fall-Winter 1992 ▪ Constructed from black sheepskin ▪ Outsized sheepskin collar and cuffs ▪ Double-breasted fa...
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Glitter Off-The-Shoulder Top
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Glitter Off-The-Shoulder Top Black top featuring a sparkling silver glitter adornment. Designed with a fluidly draped cowl neckline, three-quarter slee...
1994 VIVIENNE WESTWOOD brown shearling coat with orb buttons
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare rich brown shearling coat with signature orb buttons designed by Vivienne Westwood, dating to circa 1994. Made of heavyweight shearling, the coat has a striking silhouette ...
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD 00's Iconic Draped Satin Corset
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Milano, MILANO
00's iconic draped satin corset by Vivienne Westwood. Zipper and button closure on the back. The composition is 81% polyamide and 19% elastane.
Vivienne Westwood Iconic Rare Fringe Jacket Runway Couture Metallic
By Vivienne Westwood, RED LABEL by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Located in Berlin, BE
Extremely rare Vivienne Westwood collectors piece. Amazing Multicolour cotton-linen blend metallic gold fringed cropped jacket. Wearable Art. Love this colours and absolutely typica...
Vivienne Westwood red wool cropped jacket and pencil skirt suit, fw 1993
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood red wool skirt suit comprising: cropped jacket with notched lapel and hidden button closure; calf-length pencil skirt with high leg slit. Fall-Winter 1993
Men's Vivienne Westwood blue and white polka dot denim pant suit, SS 1985
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Men's Vivienne Westwood 'Mini-Crini' pant suit ▪ Blue denim with large white polka dots ▪ Loose cut zip-up jacket ▪ Straight leg jeans ▪ Size Large ▪ Spring-Summer 1985
Asymmetrical black cotton shirt VIVIENNE WESTWOOD MAN
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Asymmetrical black cotton shirt. Branded button closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. SIZE on tag : III / M
Vivienne Westwood Color Block Pants with Black Trim
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous pair of taupe grey wool and black pants by Vivienne Westwood. They are high waisted with front pleating, front pockets, a belt at the natural waistline closing with 2 silv...
Vivienne Westwood Vintage F/W 1994 " On Liberty" Floral Knitted Top
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Iconic Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter 1994 rare crochet top from "On Liberty" Collection. Features raffia flowers around the neckline and sleeves. The composition is 85% cotton and ...
Vivienne Westwood 'Time Machine' tartan wool skirt suit, fw 1988
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood skirt suit ▪ 'Time Machine', Fall-Winter 1988 ▪ Green Harris Tweed ▪ Tartan wool in shades of green, blue, purple, red, cream and brown ▪ Single-breasted jacket...
Vivienne Westwood early 1990s Vintage High Waist Jumbo Brown Long Corduroy Skirt
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Sheffield, GB
An early 1990's Vivienne Westwood high waisted jumbo corduroy skirt, in a caramel / Tan brown colour, with fitted figure hugging shape, High waisted si...
Vivienne Westwood red wool double-breasted blazer dress, fw 1989
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood red double-breasted blazer dress ▪ 100% Wool ▪ Shawl lapel ▪ Fourteen gold orb buttons ▪ 'Voyage to Cythera' collection ▪ FR 4...
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD 00's Structured Lace Dress
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Milano, MILANO
00's structured rubbered lace mini tablier dress by Vivienne Westwood. Open back with string closure. Two big pockets at front. Wide cape with raw edges and shoulder pads. Zipper clo...
Vivienne Westwood Opened Sleeves Cherry Red Mini dress
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in GOUVIEUX, FR
By Vivienne Westwood - Mini dress featuring draped detailing, square neckline and open puff sleeves. Size Fits XS, S Tag label top S Colors : Red Content : 100% viscose Condition : 9/10 Like new Made in Italy...
Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Faux Fur Halter Dress - '90s
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Made in England, the Vivienne Westwood Halter Dress by Andreas Kronthaler dates back to F/W 1994. Crafted with faux fur made of viscose & silk, the zip and hook eye tightening make i...
Vivienne Westwood Pianist Shirt
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Vivienne Westwood cotton shirt relaxed fit, long sleeve, button fastening.
Vivienne Westwood Red Label Polka Dot Dress - '10s
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Vivienne Westwood dress is made with soft, comfortable rayon and features a playful duo tone polka dot pattern. Perfect for summertime, it features a cross back design and tie-k...
Vivienne Westwood 'Cut, Slash & Pull' blue voile oversized shirt dress, ss 1991
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood; dusty blue cotton voile oversized blouse with large bishop sleeves, pointed collar, and ascending hemline from front. Signature slashes throughout the whole blouse...
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD "Active Resistance To Propaganda" Manifesto Asymmetrical Dress
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD "Active Resistance To Propaganda" Manifesto Asymmetrical Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Shoulder: FREE due to asymmetric c...
Vivienne Westwood Iconic Gold Corset Rare Red Label
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Berlin, BE
Vivienne Westwood gold metallic corset. Masterfully constructed famous Westwood signature piece. Assuming Spring Summer Collection 1993. Shimmering g...
Black asymmetrical cotton chemise dress VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black asymmetrical cotton chemise dress. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front + hidden zip closure on the waist . SIZE 10 (UK) 6 (Us) M
Vintage Vivienne Westwood, Main Line Skirt
By Vivienne Westwood, Vivienne Westwood Gold Label
Located in London, GB
A great vintage skirt by Vivienne Westwood. The skirt is in a light fabric, ideal for Summer and has gathering on the body that can be undone. It has a back zip and button opening,...
Vivienne Westwood salmon pink silk peplum blazer jacket and skirt suit, ss 1994
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood salmon pink silk peplum blazer jacket and skirt suit with matching fabric belt Spring-Summer 1994
Vivienne Westwood pink knitted Angora wool corset sweater, fw 1993
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood rare knitted corset sweater ▪ Constructed from knitted pink Angora ▪ Nude internal corset producing a pronounced décolleta...
Vivienne Westwood evening maxi dress with cupid print, fw 1991
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Rare Vivienne Westwood evening maxi dress ▪ Lycra printed with a detail from Jean-Honore Fragonard's "The Swarm of Cupids", c. 1767 ▪ Short sleeves ▪ Figure hugging ▪ Size: "3" ...
$4,701Sale Price|55% Off
Vivienne Westwood F/W 1988/89 ‘Time Machine’ Green striped Armour jacket
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Milano, IT
- Rare Vintage Vivienne Westwood green striped Armour Jacket - Sold by Skof.Archive - Fall-Winter 1988/89 ‘Time Machine’ Collection - Tailored waistcoat-cut main body with two lin...
Vivienne Westwood red and black equestrian style pant suit, fw 1994
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood equestrian style pant suit comprising: red wool jacket with accentuated waist, shoulder pads, large double lapel and gold orb button fastenings, high ride black vel...
1990’s Vivienne Westwood Sparkly Silver Metallic Orb Baby Tee - T Shirt
By Vivienne Westwood Gold Label, Vivienne Westwood
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 1990’s Vivienne Westwood Gold Label T-shirt. Featuring rounded neckline, short sleeves, fitted body and large Orb embroidery on the front. MADE IN ENGLAND. Measurements are provid...
Spring / Summer 1997 Vivienne Westwood Renaissance Grapes pattern Shirt - Blouse
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Sheffield, GB
A rare Spring 1997 Vivienne Westwood Shirt ornately decorated with a fruit print of grapes, orb buttons closure and displaying exemplary work of Vivienne’s fun tailoring and pattern ...
Vivienne Westwood black leather corseted jacket and mini skirt suit, fw 1997
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood Couture black leather mini skirt suit ▪ 100% Leather ▪ Corseted Jacket ▪ Let of mutton sleeves ▪ Double ended metal zipper at centre back ▪ Quilted satin lining...
Vivienne Westwood red velvet strapless corset, fw 1989
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood strapless corset ▪ Museum piece ▪ Red velvet ▪ Olive lamé bra with wired piping ▪ Center-front zipper ▪ Size XS/S ▪ F...
Vivienne Westwood Corset Iconic Rare 90s Red Label
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Berlin, BE
Extremely rare vintage original Vivienne Westwood corset. A stunning piece of Fashion History. One of the masterfully created iconic Westwood...
Vivienne Westwood Couture navy striped silk corset and skirt set, ss 1998
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood Couture navy striped chiffon evening two piece ▪ 100% Silk ▪ Off-shoulder corset with draped neckline ▪ Internal boning designed to cinch the waist and push brea...
Vivienne Westwood gold crochet lurex long-sleeve cropped corset, fw 1993
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood corset ▪ Gold crocheted lurex yarn ▪ Built-in boned corset ▪ Long sleeves ▪ Wide neckline ▪ Cropped length ▪ Size Medium ▪ Fall-Winter 1993 ▪ Made in England
Vivienne Westwood red patent leather platforms, fw 1994
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood red patent leather platforms. Fall Winter 1994
Vivienne Westwood bronze stretch-velvet and gold foil printed dress, fw 1990
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood bronze stretch-velvet evening dress ▪ Gold foil neoclassical print inspired by Andre-Charles Boulle ▪ Concealed zipper at center-back ▪ Size Medium ▪ Fall-Winter...
Vivienne Westwood 'Cut, Slash & Pull' Open Toe High Sole Platforms, Circa 1991
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
cA Pair of Vivienne Westwood high-soled open toe platform shoes covered in black satin with regular cuts throughout the surface, 'Cut, Slash & Pull' collection, spring-summer 1991.
Vivienne Westwood unisex checked wool three-piece pant suit, fw 1992
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood unisex black and white checked wool three-piece pant suit comprising: double-breasted blazer jacket with peak lapels, silver orb buttons and red satin lining, single-breasted waistcoat and high-waisted carrot pants...
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD "Anglomania" c.1990's Black Leather Asymmetrical Wrap Jacket
By ANGLOMANIA by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, Vivienne Westwood
Located in Thiensville, WI
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD "Anglomania" c.1990's Black Leather Asymmetrical Wrap Jacket Brand / Manufacturer: Vivienne Westwood Collection: Anglomania c. 1990's Designer: Vivienne Westwood S...
Avant-Garde S/S 2001 Vivienne Westwood One Shoulder Shirt Blue striped Dress
By Vivienne Westwood, RED LABEL by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Located in Sheffield, GB
An Archival Vintage Vivienne Westwood Shirt dress from the Spring / Summer 2001 collection. Featuring a playful, oversized Collar detail that wraps-around single full length sleeve, ...
Worlds End by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren grey smock dress, ss 1983
By Worlds End, Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ A rare Worlds End grey cotton smock dress ▪ Designed by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren ▪ Tain panel at the front skirt which can be worn as a shawl ▪ Drawstring neckline ...
Vivienne Westwood blue and red striped skirt, blouse and tie ensemble ss 1996
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Original Vivienne Westwood Gold Label ensemble featuring a blue an d red striped skirt, blouse, and very rare wide tie. Spring-summer 1996 Measurements: Shirt (UK 12) Shoulder - 2...
A/W 1992- 1993 VIVIENNE WESTWOOD 'Always on Camera' Grey High Waisted Cord Pants
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Sheffield, GB
A rare and wonderful pair of corduroy trousers from the autumn/winter 1992-1993 'Always on Camera' collection by Vivienne Westwood. These high waisted pants are crafted from grey co...
A/W 1998 1999 Vivienne Westwood Black Skirt with Oversized Buttons.
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Sheffield, GB
An elegant Vivienne Westwood black Mini skirt from the A/W 1998/1999 ‘dressed to scale’ collection with large decorative buttons and Open pockets at the hip...
Vivienne Westwood black velvet mini skirt peplum suit, fw 1993
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood black velvet skirt suit. Ultra mini pencil skirt paired with a tailored blazer jacket with peplum and pleated ve...
Vivienne Westwood Union Jack Bikini, Deadstock circa 2012
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
A rare deadstock Vivienne Westwood bikini featuring the brand’s iconic Union Jack print, a motif deeply rooted in Westwood’s punk heritage. The British flag has been one of the desig...
$232Sale Price|20% Off
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Size XS Red Viscose Ruched Long Sleeve Dress
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in San Francisco, CA
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD ANGLOMANIA dress in a stretchy red viscose fabric featuring a form fitting design with ruched details, long sleeves, and midi length. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Ow...
Vivienne Westwood Salon Printed Corset and Denim Shorts Set, ss 1992
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Vivienne Westwood Corset and Shorts Set ▪ Spring-Summer 1992 ▪ Long sleeve corset with a photographic print to front and back, of an 18th-century salon ▪ Side panels and s...
Vivienne Westwood A/W 1999 - 2000 'Showroom' Collection Hooded Pointy Tit Dress
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Rare and Iconic Hooded dress from Vivienne Westwoods Fall/Winter 1999- 2000 Runway Collection 'Showroom'. This Charcoal & Stone Grey Jersey Dress features a bias-cut knee length ...
vintage VIVIENNE WESTWOOD black draped top and skirt suit
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vintage Vivienne Westwood black draped top and skirt suit dating to the late 1990s, early 2000's. The top is designed with Westwood’s signature draping, with fabric gathered and fold...
Vivienne Westwood black suede round toe pumps
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood black suede round toe pumps with buckle closure ca. 1986-1990
Vivienne Westwood grey check wool skirt suit, fw 1991
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood grey check wool skirt suit, featuring five large buttons with engraved orb logo Fall-winter 1991 Measurements: Jacket: 42 (IT) Shoulder to shoulder 15" Width 18...