In 1991, during Paris fashion week, the renowned designer Vivienne Westwood was invited to appear on BBC Newsnight. The interview provided a fascinating glimpse into her perspective on the fashion industry, specifically Haute Couture. Despite visual discomfort, the interviewer probed Westwood by questioning the existence of fashion as art.
Westwood has long been a vocal critic of the fashion industry. Her views are rooted in a deep-seated belief that fashion should be more than just clothing—it should be a powerful force for change and self-expression. Throughout her career, she has maintained an anti-establishment stance. She challenges the status quo, disrupts conventions, and uses her designs to provoke thought. Her punk roots and rebellious spirit have fuelled her critique of the fashion establishment.
Westwood has also been vocal about her wariness of the increasing corporate influence on fashion. She believes that big conglomerates prioritize profit over creativity and authenticity, as made clear in this interview. Her independent approach to design allows her to maintain artistic integrity and resist commercial pressures.
