This week in Paris for AW15 we were reintroduced to the circus that is Vivienne Westwood. Models came down the runway wearing hats the mad hatter would kill for, and sporting make-up Frida Kahlo would be proud of. Mix all of this with the women dressing in traditionally men’s staples and vice versa, and you have a typical presentation of Westwood’s work.
The collection opens with Westwood’s first example of a knit-style hula skirt, which are incorporated throughout the collection. It also includes many menswear staples being worn by female models, especially oversized tartan blazers and classic trousers. As the show moves on, it continues to turn up the crazy volume with fabrics plastered in childlike drawings and geometric prints everywhere one looks. It is all a lot to take in, but once one does, there are some beautiful pieces in this collection.
Westwood mixes her pieces in ways that will have the most dramatic impact, but just looking at them separately, they can all (for the most part) be worn on a regular basis. She plays with colour, pattern, and cut in her latest collection. Showing off necklines and legs in a tasteful yet fun way. It’s a classic Westwood collection this season – tartan and all.
by Anna Coughlan
Images Courtesy of Style.com