When I first heard about the auction of Vivienne Westwood’s personal collection at Christie’s, I felt a mixture of admiration and nostalgia. Admiration for the lasting impact of a woman who not only transformed fashion but also used her platform to fight for essential causes. Nostalgia, because this auction symbolized a definitive farewell to a brilliant mind that left an indelible mark in the world.

Dame Vivienne Westwood will always be recognized as one of Britain’s most important fashion designers of all time. However, limiting her legacy to fashion would be unjust. Westwood was a visionary who used her art to challenge norms and advocate for a better world. She founded The Vivienne Foundation to continue her mission of creating a more just society and halting climate change, demonstrating that her commitment extended beyond her lifetime.

 Fashion for Vivienne Westwood was not just about aesthetics; it was a means to convey powerful messages. In every garment, in every accessory, there was a bold statement about the state of the world and the urgency to change it. Westwood was a rebel with a cause, someone who understood that true elegance lies in social and environmental consciousness. The auction of her personal collection not only offered us an intimate look into her wardrobe but also into her soul. Each piece auctioned is a testament to her passion and commitment.

The most pleasant surprise lay in the proceeds of this auction. The revenue from sales will go to organizations such as The Vivienne Foundation, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, and Greenpeace. This reflects that a legacy is not just thread and fabric but action and change because she understood that fashion has the power to influence society and refused to be merely a bystander to the problems in the world. Westwood created a tangible manifesto of her vision for the future and her unwavering desire to inspire others to act. Speaking of this creator means introducing a woman who knew how to embrace many quirks that have now become cult in our society. One example of this was the use of pink as a symbol of punk empowerment, far from any gender connotation. This vision was also exhibited by her colleagues in the Sex Pistols band. Westwood showcased this vision in her first store, SEX, in 1974, in a time when pink was rejected except in Asia, influenced by the kitsch.

 Furthermore, Westwood pioneered a mindset of more responsible consumption, emphasizing the quality and traceability of fabrics, as highlighted in her campaign BUY LESS, CHOOSE WELL, MAKE IT LAST. As she herself declared: “I’m not trying to do something different, I’m trying to do the same thing in a different way.” This philosophy of conscious consumption is more relevant than ever in a world struggling to balance desire and sustainability.

 The exhibition in London featuring iconic looks from her private wardrobe ending today, June 24th, has been a unique opportunity to closely appreciate a genius.

 Vivienne Westwood is not only known for her creations but also for the anecdotes and iconic memories that defined her career and brand. One of the most memorable moments was her ability to use fashion as a platform for protest during the London Fashion Week in 2008. Westwood surprised everyone when she appeared on the runway wearing a t-shirt that printed “I am not a terrorist, please don’t arrest me.” This act was a direct critique of government policies that, according to her, criminalized protest and dissent.

For me, Vivienne Westwood is a reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference. I cannot help but be inspired by her courage and her ability to use her talent for greater causes. In a world where we often feel powerless against immense problems, Westwood’s example urges us to act, not to remain silent.

Westwood once expressed: ¨ I want you to help me save the world, I can´t do all by myself¨. And in this call to action, I find a deep resonance. It´s not just about admiring her work at a distance, but about continuing her fight, each of us from our own place. Vivienne Westwood left us more than fashion; she left us a mission. And in honor of her memory, it is our responsibility to carry it forward.

Photos credited to CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2024