Daily Front Row

2007 October 1

Vivienne Westwood - Paris Fashion Week Spring 2008

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(PARIS) Vivienne Westwood went wild with her Spring 2008 collection, presenting her “active resistance manifesto.” True to form, the designer conveyed a strong political message, expressing her anger with the current regime and presenting looks dominated by anarchy, class disparity, and honesty. Westwood entitled her collection “56” in protest to a proposed British law to keep people in jail without trial for 56 days. The confusion that ensued was intentional and mimicked the designer’s current state of mind. As such, the show catered to the tough girl who knows who she is and doesn’t let trends or conventional thought dictate her style. From dramatic 17th century attire in rich hues to tattered muted cottons, this season went from royals to prostitutes. Evening gowns with heavy volume and shine were paired with bright high-satin evening gloves. Westwood shifted from theatrical looks to a tropical island with castaway-appropriate garb. Bustiers and dresses covered in netting, fringes, and exotic skins were untamed. Feathered headdresses added a tribal vibe. Elements of homeless chic were presented with cotton long sleeve T-shirt dresses and faded wraps. Little red riding hood went neutral with a beige hooded cape. A mixed bag of fabrics and embellishments--horns and stones, mesh, satin, and tulle--completed the collection. “It looks tribal, tough, and rock & roll,” said Westwood.