Vivienne Westwood

Claire Wilcox?s work looks at the career of dynamic and dedicated designer, Vivienne Westwood,and is followed by a comprehensive photographic section which charts the development of Westwood?s ideas and technique, from punk to the present day.

Both sections illuminate Westwood?s working methods, looking at her tailoring techniques, fabrics and patterns, and highlighting key influences by featuring some of the objects that inspired her. Over 360 illustrations, many from leading photographers such as Nick Knight, Mario Testino and Annie Leibovitz, present highlights of the collections that have been a major influence on fashion, music and art since the 1970s.

Outfits worn by the Sex Pistols contrast with more recent creations for Sarah Jessica Parker, Tracy Emin and Cameron Diaz, demonstrating why Westwood is still the most talked-about designer in Britain.

The photographs - a mix of ad campaigns, fashion shoots, catwalk shots and rare archive images - have been personally selected by Vivienne Westwood, and present her own vision of the high-points of a career characterised by constant innovation and variety.