Heritage and rebellion met on the runway as Vivienne Westwood, the globally celebrated British label, made its India debut with a fashion show steeped in symbolism. The choice of venue — the historic Gateway of India, overlooking the Arabian Sea — was no coincidence. Known for its grandeur and legacy, the early 20th-century arched monument served as a striking backdrop to a show that celebrated India’s artisanal textile heritage with dramatic flair.
As the monument shimmered under artful illumination, models graced the runway in a fusion of Vivienne Westwood’s avant-garde design and India’s rich textile craftsmanship. The collection was a blend of contemporary silhouettes and traditional weaves — a bold conversation between punk couture and cultural legacy.
Among the high-profile attendees were Bollywood luminaries and celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Twinkle Khanna, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Manish Malhotra, Vijay Varma, and Disha Patani, alongside members of erstwhile royal families — all adding to the show’s grandeur.
The evening spotlighted the Spring/Summer 2025 collection, alongside standout archival pieces from the house. A key highlight was a special capsule line crafted from India’s finest handwoven chanderi silks, khadi cotton, wool, and silk. These unique pieces were created in collaboration with an Indian design institute and supported by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, weaving sustainability into the very fabric of couture.
Vivienne Westwood, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 81, remains one of fashion’s most revolutionary figures. Known for her defiant spirit and activist voice, her work challenged norms and redefined aesthetics. Beginning with a small London boutique in 1971, her first runway collection debuted in Autumn/Winter 1981/82, combining historical influences with cutting-edge tailoring. Over the decades, her designs — inspired by everything from classical art to subversive street culture — expanded into an entire lifestyle, encompassing jewellery, footwear, handbags, and eyewear.
The India show also marked the grand introduction of Vivienne Westwood’s eyewear on the runway. Bespoke sunglass styles made a striking appearance, with bold silhouettes and signature detailing echoing the house’s disruptive DNA. These designs spoke to those who prefer standing out over blending in — a true extension of the brand’s unapologetic aesthetic.
Now available in India, Vivienne Westwood eyewear is accessible through select premium optical stores and fashion-forward retail destinations. This comes as part of a strategic collaboration between Pearl Enterprises — a leading national distributor based in Mumbai — and Mondottica India, known for bringing global eyewear brands like AllSaints, Sandro, and Hackett London to discerning Indian consumers.
