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In partnership with the Department of Textiles, Govt. of Maharashtra and Vivz Fashion School, the show will be held at the Gateway of India, Mumbai, on April 1, 2025.
The Vivienne Westwood couture collection will celebrate handwoven Indian silks and khadi cotton.Â
Dame Vivienne Westwood, the legendary British-fashion designer’s brand is coming to India to host its first-event fashion show. The show will be presented at the historic and prestigious Gateway of India, in Mumbai on April 1, 2025.
The world may have lost the legendary Vivienne Westwood in 2022, but her creations continue to inspire the world of fashion. To honour her legacy and India’s rich textile heritage, Vivienne Westwood has partnered with the Department of Textiles, Govt. of Maharashtra and Vivz Fashion School Pvt. Ltd, to present a never seen before fashion spectacle.
The show will present a collection of Vivienne Westwood couture designs created with the finest natural hand woven Indian silks and khadi cottons and wool. The collection celebrates the craftsmanship of these hand-woven fabrics, sourced from across India provided by Khadi India and Aaranya/Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), and created by Indian artisans using traditional and sustainable techniques. The word ‘Khadi’ is derived from ‘Khaddar’, a term used for the hand spun fabric of India. Khadi fabric is known for its natural, coarse texture due to its handmade process, and its versatility – keeping you warm in winter and cool in the summer.
Khadi, which was celebrated by Mahatma Gandhi during the iconic Khadi Movement, is a national icon known for its integral part in the struggle for India’s freedom. Similarly, Vivienne used her creations to communicate ideas, often using graphics to confront issues of political and social injustice. It will be interesting to see how the two icons—Vivienne’s design sensibilities and the artisanal fabric—Khadi weave magic on the runway.
Vivienne Westwood by the late 70s, was considered a symbol of British avant-garde, having pioneered in punk inspired-looks. Alongside her husband and creative partner Andreas Kronthaler, she continued to draw inspiration from historical dresses, culture and fine art, shaping the brand’s distinct identity.
Vivienne Westwood has long championed craftsmanship and heritage, using artisanal fabrics within their collections. Through working with and promoting artisans and small heritage production, Vivienne Westwood is proud to promote more environmentally sustainable forms of fabric production and support traditional skilled jobs and the communities around them.
The show will take place at the historic Gateway of India, a monument that now represents the freedom of India and is synonymous with the city of Mumbai—a hub for locals and tourists, for music and celebration, a melting pot of different cultures in the city of dreams.