Few designers have left as indelible a mark on bridal fashion as Vivienne Westwood. Known as the “high priestess of punk,” the late British icon—who passed away in 2022—challenged conventions with her rebellious spirit, blending activism with avant-garde design. While the bridal industry often leans toward tradition, Westwood’s creations became a magnet for those seeking individuality, proving that wedding attire could be both subversive and sublime.
A Punk Revolution for Brides
Westwood’s designs—characterized by masterful draping, corsetry, and unexpected details—flatter the wearer while defying norms. Her signature punk aesthetic attracted brides eager to break free from cookie-cutter gowns. Celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Dita Von Teese, and even WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (who married in a Westwood-designed suit at London’s high-security Belmarsh Prison) embraced her vision.
“The Vivienne Westwood bride is a heroine,” said Andreas Kronthaler, the brand’s creative director and Westwood’s widower, in an email to CNN. “She stands for strength, power, and courage.”
Perhaps the most iconic pop-culture moment came in 2008’s Sex and the City movie, when Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) wore a dramatic Westwood gown after being jilted at the altar. The dress later made a surprise comeback in the series’ reboot, And Just Like That…, accessorized with a teal cape and gloves—proof of its enduring appeal.
Bridal Fashion with an Edge
This May, Vivienne Westwood staged its first-ever bridal show at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, presenting 35 unconventional looks. True to form, the collection featured non-traditional colors, tailored blazers, and trousers—far from the typical white gown. “It’s a potpourri of past, present, and future,” Kronthaler said.
The brand’s bridal legacy dates to 1962, when Westwood designed her own wedding dress for her first marriage. By the 1990s, bespoke bridalwear became a cornerstone of her label. Today, it offers made-to-order collections in salons across London, Paris, Milan, New York, and Los Angeles, with prices ranging from $4,790 for a satin mini dress to $14,350 for couture gowns.
The Future of Non-Conformist Bridalwear
As Gen Z and Millennial brides increasingly reject tradition, Westwood’s ethos feels more relevant than ever. Kronthaler notes a shift toward versatile, multi-outfit weddings: “Brides love transforming into different characters.”
While the brand faces competition from labels like Badgley Mischka and Jimmy Choo’s The Atelier, its punk heritage sets it apart. Kronthaler hinted at future shows in cities like New York, ensuring Westwood’s rebellious spirit lives on.
“Spending your life with someone is a wonderful thing,” he reflected. “What you wear on that day should celebrate who you are.”
For brides worldwide, Vivienne Westwood’s legacy is clear: a wedding dress can be a manifesto—not just a tradition.
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