An exhibition about the late British fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood is being held at Grand Lisboa Palace in Cotai, highlighting her influential work in fashion, jewellery and activism, with the showcase running until July 15.
According to an information board at the entrance of the exhibition, Westwood (1941–2022) is regarded as one of the most influential designers of the past half-century, known for breaking boundaries by merging cultural elements through bold experimentation in shape, form, and decoration.
Westwood was a foundational figure in British fashion, best known for bringing punk and new wave aesthetics into the mainstream. Her career spanned over five decades, evolving from underground rebellion to global luxury.
She was twice named British Designer of the Year and was appointed a Dame, the female equivalent of Sir, in 2006 for her services to fashion.
According to the information board, jewellery played a central role throughout her career. Trained in silversmithing, Westwood began her career by selling her own designs in the 1960s. She later partnered with Malcolm McLaren* to open a boutique on London’s King’s Road in 1971, where her early designs helped define the punk movement.
The exhibition highlights how Westwood revolutionised fashion by elevating everyday objects such as safety pins and studs into decorative statements, challenging traditional ideas of value. Her later work, from the mid-1980s onwards, shifted towards historical influences, drawing from classical civilisations as well as baroque and Renaissance art. Jewellery remained a focal point, featuring elements such as pearls and 18th-century styles.
Westwood’s designs also reflect her strong activism. Her work frequently addressed social, political and environmental issues, with a focus on sustainability and criticism of the consumer culture. Recycled materials, particularly in jewellery, became a defining feature of her later collections.
A section of the exhibition titled “Exploration” emphasises her curiosity and global outlook, showcasing her engagement with different cultures and traditions, including collaborations with artisans in Africa through the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) of the United Nations (UN), according to an information board of the “Exploration” section. The display also reflects her belief in learning from historical techniques as a foundation for creativity. Exhibition panels also feature her philosophy, including the idea that creativity must be rooted in tradition and past knowledge rather than created in isolation.
Through fashion, jewellery and activism, the exhibition presents Westwood’s legacy as one that bridges past and present, offering visitors insight into her enduring influence on global culture and design. Exhibitiongoers are welcome to see Westwood’s exhibits at the integrated resort’s C007 on Level 1, open daily from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. with free admission by registering online, with the last admission at 7 p.m.
* Malcolm Robert Andrew McLaren (1946-2010) was an English fashion designer, entrepreneur and music manager. – Wikipedia
Photos: Khalel Vallo
