Vivienne Westwood, is undoubtedly one of the most influential female designers of our generation. Being famously known for putting a different spin on many eras during her early 60s and 70s reign of modern punk fashion, at which she admired with a sense of an ambitious blend,
Art portrait by Charis Tsevis
she has gained the recognition as the British fashion designer of the year during the early 90s and 2006, going on to building her empire in several countries along with many stores in the United States. Her mark on the fashion world starting with the Sex Pistols, paved the way in her journey to being a self made brand at which she remains till this day.
Having thirteen years in sales as a personal shopper, I applied at the Vivienne Westwood store here in Los Angeles before my big move. I knew she was a notable brand that gave a lot of creativity and originality to those who wanted to add life with a vibrant sass and flair. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the job knowing that wasn’t my true calling, but it still didn’t stop me going to related events.
The London Hotel, has been known for holding exclusive events that have brought out many of Hollywood’s socialites and celebrities. Normally, a social gathering would be set up on the rooftop deck overlooking the city and all of its highlights, but during this particular event, it raised the bar to what many would expect from a showcase of a well respected artist herself. Vivienne Westwood, held a medium sized party in the penthouse of the London hotel where every inch of space was admired by guest. From the entertainment room to the bedroom; from the outside patio to the dining room and of course the private rooftop
Many of the current fashion worlds leaders, imitators, students and models, who all shed a different light within their own creative fields, bonded together to get a first sneek peek in what’s to come for the next Westwood trend. This was a fashion show within a fashion preview, showcasing some of her newest designs while models walked around the room. It’s normal when going to a particular designers show to wear some of the designers previous and or future looks. I’d assume it’s a respectable act, but for me, I just wore what fit the season and my mood. Although fall is right around the corner, it was still hot as hades- hell, in this massive heat wave that we were having; so, I decided to dress comfortably in a cleavage reveling dress with enough fall colors for the season.
During this event, I came across many fashion professionals who dressed for a Harper’s Bazaar photo shoot. The crowd was extremely posh and lavish, but I couldn’t help but to feel a little displacement. I was a fashion event coordinator for three years, and having been thoroughly involved in LA Fashion Week, which was not only an honor due to the fact that I had no experience, but I also grew exhausted by the constant show I had to personally put on for the overbearing fashion critics that thought they wrote the bible on fashion. More like “keeping up with the fashion snobs”.
Four models doing installation segments throughout the evening changed periodically into a few of the designers new looks. Identifiable in showcasing the many ideas of what people would wear for different occasions, I found her looks being that of night and day. The women dressed in an array of fabrics that accentuated a formal attire while carrying the Westwood trademark; while the men on the other hand, were dressed more appropriately wearing in what I consider to being urban streetwear with a more sleek attire. During the course of their casual walkthrough, a personal photographer whould snap different photos of them which I took the opportunity of grabbing a few shots for myself in their standstill poses.
Who would’ve guessed that the famous Pharrell Hat , or better yet, the Arbys hat, would make a special appearance. Come to find out, it’s an original Vivienne Westwood from her vintage collection which she redesigned to create a new trend fad. Leave it to those who enjoy a good fad and fashion accessory that keeps everyone talking, would purchase a duplicate. In the bedroom suite, a few of her updated versions of different colors were placed on a coffee table amongst some of her boob t-shirts. Some people donned it to accessorize their outfit, others tested it out looking absolutely ridiculous, and one male model, well, modeled it.
The hat surprisingly, doesn’t look all that bad; or rather these three just knew how to rock it. Along with the hats and their owners who gave onlookers a purpose of admiration, there were a few individuals that definitely made their presence known from head to toe. I absolutely love fashion, but typically, I’m such an easy going person when it comes to my sense of style. I’d always envy those that just have an eye for it. People like these trendsetters give me all the more reason to taking chances. I mean, I’m sure that if my closet were to be raided, people would have a field day. It’s just that, I myself am not as bold and daring as what I happen to own in my two closets. I really should be ashamed of myself as my best friend would say. So, to end it on this note, these stylish groups of fashionistas are most definitely in my Fashion Fridays hall of fame. Why? Well because they inspire my wardrobe. I don’t necessarily need a fashion show to create my next look. Sometimes it’s all that’s around me. While these groups of people might not be a fashion household name, they still impacted what might be my next purchase or must have. And that’s because they looked damn good wearing it. The cycle of fashion life.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to ask each individual what they were wearing, but for the three at the bottom right I did. If you dig their style, check out their personal links of contacts. Everyone looks amazing and thank you for setting the trend!
@Wydesigner
Facebook.com/wilfreddyla
Fashion Designer/Illustrator
@jimyshu92
Www.jimyshu.com
Xox
For a more thorough look into my night at the Westwood party, make sure you check out Vivienne Westwood Event under my Social Saturday just click and it’ll direct you there!
