The Vivienne Westwood Aoyama store (5-49-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) is holding a special event called "CHAOS" until June 9th. Inside the store, tartan bondage pants from the London boutique, World's End, as well as dresses and shoes from past collections, are on display. Photographs tracing the history of this iconic British designer are also on display, and interviews are screened. Theo Anastasato, designer of Vivienne Westwood's men's licensed collection and accessories, oversaw the event. "This exhibition has a similar theme to the current exhibition, 'PUNK: Chaos to Couture,' at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. I've added my own unique perspective to it, looking back at the brand's past while also conveying its current stance," he says. He also said of Vivienne, "Fashion has changed, but Vivienne continues to question society and create with the same energy as before. Her spirit has evolved even further, and she is actively involved in issues such as climate change and human rights, and is also involved in projects to raise people's interest in culture, art, and politics. She doesn't just make beautiful clothes; she pours her talents into many other things." A 20-minute interview with Vivienne by Bloomberg is shown on the second floor. Vivienne talks about her history, creations, and business. Rare photos of her childhood and when she first began designing clothes are also shown. In 1971, she opened a boutique called "Let It Rock" on King's Road with her then-boyfriend, Malcolm McLaren. In 1975, she produced the band "Sex Pistols" with Malcolm, and she quickly became known as the Queen of Punk. She recalls that time, "We wanted to rebel against the hippie movement, which was coming to an end at the time. Malcolm chose music and fashion as a means to achieve this, and I helped him by making clothes. He believed there was a political message in them, and so did I. We were anti-establishment and hated the older generation." However, her thinking changed dramatically along the way. "I realized I needed to have my own ideas. Someone taught me that if you have an idea, you have to pursue it, and then go beyond it, look into the future, and communicate your ideas." After that, she parted ways with Malcolm and shifted to her current concept of "creating the future with tradition." She began incorporating details from historical dresses, traditional British materials, and Savile Row tailoring techniques, and her designs also took an elegant direction inspired by European clothing from before the 19th century. "Fashion elevates life. I believe in the power of fashion," she says.
Furthermore, regarding business, he said, "Quality is important. The company's main business is the first line Gold Label, but it is spin-off products that support it. If there were no spin-off products, Gold Label would have to be 10 times more expensive than it is now in order to survive. It is really difficult to manage the entire brand, but I want to keep trying." The interview video, full of important scenes, is a must-see not only for Vivienne Westwood fans.
