Vivienne Westwood - 'This is not Charity, This is Work'

 

I've spoken a little bit before about Vivienne Westwoods involvement in ethical fashion through her footwear collection but she recently also launched a range of bags that were made by hand in Kenya in conjunction with The Ethical Fashion programme.

The Ethical Fashion programe is one I support and admire whole heartedly. It helps women (over 7000 of them actually) who currently inhabit some of the worst poverty stricken areas imaginable to improve their lives by giving them a chance to learn a trade and gain work in the process. Its a campaign that bids to not only change their own lives but the lives of the whole community.

 

The three bags in the VW collection were made by recycling roadside ad signs and safari tents. They were crafted by hand by Kenyan women from often shunned parts of the African community including HIV/AIDS sufferers, single mothers and women living in the most extreme levels of poverty.

I applaud Westwoods involvement in such a worthwhile cause but as she puts it - 'It's not charity it's work' and she is so right. These women have learnt craft skills that they can continue to put to good use in starting their own businesses and improving their local community by passing on these skills to others.

The bags retail at £100 and are available from http://viviennewestwood.co.uk

A Big Announcement!!!

As you all can probably tell by the subject matter of recent posts of mine ethical fashion has become a subject very close to my heart. Although if I’m honest until I attended the launch of Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration which showcased so many wonderful ethical designers I hadn’t given the ethics of what I wear as much thought as I should have with the exception of the leather and fur industries. All this has changed recently though and its become an issue that’s important to me.
Most of you know I planned to only wear second hand/vintage or clothing by ethical fashion brands for 30 days but I’ve now decided to make it a permanent lifestyle choice. There aren’t actually too many Japanese eco brands about to blog exclusively about Japanese fashion is no longer an option. There are so many amazing non-Japanese ethical designers out there that I would love to write about and help promote so I won’t be limiting myself in that way. But from this moment on I’ll only be posting about ethical fashion brands/designers and the masses of independent designers who produce their clothes in an ethical way using locally sourced labour and end of roll fabrics (Thanks to Amelia for this info)
London Fashion Week truly showed me just how brilliantly creative ethical fashion can be and it’s not just small designers who produce ethical clothing. Vivienne Westwood has collaborated with footwear designer Melissa to produce vegan footwear and Stella McCartney’s collections are ethically made.
I hope you’ll all stick with me through this transition and beyond as I find my feet and I hope you’ll support my decision. Before I end this post I must thank the awesome Bella and Kristy Elena for all their kind words and encouragement at a time that I needed it.

Vivienne Westwood S/S 2011 London Fashion Week

Designer Information

Designer name: Vivienne Westwood


Origin: Glossop, Derbyshire


Career highlights: In 1989, Mr John Fairchild, editor of the fashion bible Women’s Wear Daily, listed Vivienne Westwood as one of the six most influential designers in the world


Vivienne Westwood has been awarded the title of British designer of the year.


She was appointed a Dame for her contribution to brit fashion.


Awarded with the Outstanding Achievement in Fashion at the British Fashion Awards in London.


A trustee of Liberty and continues to use her influence to talk about culture and politics, more specifically climate change.



Design signatures: “The adaptation of historical garment construction into modern clothing.”


How she would describe the Vivienne Westwood woman? “My customers are the best ambassadors for my clothes. When people discover them, they seem to have an edge. Honestly, although I'm very proud of my customers, I also love to dress the supermodels. Glamour has a sense of archetype and I adore those archetypal beauties. Fashion is alive when it is being worn and talked about.”



Where does she go in London to seek ideas for a forthcoming collection? "Culture: Classical music, books and paintings. Museums and galleries."



Spring/Summer 2011 collection

Vivienne’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection did not disappoint. This collection ticked all the boxes for me. Luxurious fabrics, sexy dresses, lilac plaid skirts and short suits, cowl neck off the shoulder dresses, on trend camel coloured dresses and boy cut trousers. Leopard print, bold prints, florals, slinky 60’s influenced dresses, suits and dresses covered in sparkle and shine, masculine cut suits made from sensuous luxurious looking materials so they looked ultra sexy and feminine, well tailored sexy suits. There was a good mix of loose and tight fitting dresses, low necklines and classic cut garments.


All in all this collection is actually of the prestige you would expect from the reigning queen of british fashion. This collection has something for everyone and you can guarantee the high St. will be taking influence from Vivenne. Whether your super skinny or on the curvy side this beautiful collection has something for your shape. And who wouldn’t feel sexy in these gorgeous pieces. I for one would wear almost any of these pieces.

Vivienne Westwood Accessories Special

Aren’t they gorgeous. Vivienne Westwood rocks. This is from her ready to wear collection which you can find at www.viviennewestwood.co.uk

samispoon is a huge fan (dont be tempted Sami LOL be strong. Think of Japan :)

And guys don’t forget my giveaway ends today @ 12.00 am GMT

The prize haul includes a Vivienne Westwood tote bag :)