Vivienne Westwood's Fashion Show: A Historic First in India

My clothes have a story. They have an identity. They have a character and a purpose. That's why they become classics. Because they keep on telling a story. They are still telling it.

The iconic brand of Vivienne Westwood made its India debut with its first-ever fashion show celebrating the country’s rich textile heritage at the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai, and I can't hold back my excitement!!

Vivienne Westwood's Indian Debut:

On the 1st of April, Mumbai witnessed this historical moment where a 166-feet-long runway featured a selection of spring summer 2025 Vivienne Westwood looks and special archive pieces alongside a capsule collection crafted with hand-woven fabrics from India. The collection of Vivienne Westwood couture looks crafted from handwoven Indian silks, Khadi cotton, and wool, sourced from esteemed textile houses like Khadi India and Aaranya, Gwalior. These were reimagined through Westwood’s signature silhouette.

Brand's Ethos:

In collaboration with the Department of Textiles, Maharashtra, Vivz Fashion School, and HSBC India, the runway showcased Westwood's dedication to sustainability, an issue she has long supported. Her belief in fashion with a conscience was emphasised by the use of repurposed textiles, naturally dyed fabrics, and ethical production techniques. In addition to respecting India's textile heritage, Westwood promoted the preservation of slow fashion.

Carlo D’Amario CEO of Vivienne Westwood added:

We are honoured to present a show in India and to create a collection which celebrates India’s rich textile heritage and traditional hand-woven industries. At Vivienne Westwood we have long championed craftsmanship and heritage and have partnered for decades with local industries and artisans in the UK, as well as in Europe and Africa, and are now proud to partner with the artisanal hand-crafted textile industry of India for this show.

Celebrity Attendance at the Vivienne Westwood Show:

It was undoubtedly a star-studded show, with the presence of Bollywood's A-listers such as Kareena Kapoor, Twinkle Khanna, Aditya Roy Kapur, Mira Rajput, Radhika Merchant, Manushi Chhillar, Aditya Roy Kapur, Bhumi Pednekar, Shalini Passi, and Janhvi Kapoor, among others, in attendance. All were dressed to the nines.

Our beloved Bebo (Kareena Kapoor Khan) raised the glam quotient in a wine off-shoulder gown featuring a thigh-high slit. The gown, too, was part of the brand’s collection. For the accessories, Kareena opted for diamond rings and statement earrings.

While Mira Kapoor walked the red carpet and charmed everyone with her stunning presence. She looked breathtakingly hot in a multi-hued off-shoulder dress.

The Diva of Bollywood, Janhvi Kapoor, never disappoints her fans with her fashion sense. At Vivienne Westwood's, she once again unleashed her diva mode as walked the red carpet in an off-shoulder embellished corset top stitched with a thigh-high slit satin skirt and silver heels.

Radhika Merchant attended the event wearing an archival corset and scarf by Vivienne from her 1990 A/W Portrait collection. And she looked graceful and elegant.

Who is Vivienne Westwood?

For the unversed, who are wondering who Vivienne Westwood was and why Bollywood celebrities are suddenly wearing outfits by the designer, let us tell you that Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood was a renowned British fashion designer who took the credit for bringing modern punk and a new wave in the mainstream fashion industry in the 1970s. The brand's iconic designs often take inspiration from history and punk culture. The designer has also established its couture as a luxury brand that is known for strong political and environmental activism in order to bring change in society. The precise craftsmanship, timeless designs, high-quality leather, and silk rooted to punk culture are the brand's identity and the legacy the late designer left behind when she passed away in 2022.

As a fashion enthusiast, seeing Indian textiles take centre stage in such a global setting made me feel proud and aware of the power of heritage in shaping contemporary couture. While the event aimed to honor India's rich textile heritage, I observed mixed reactions among the audience on social media. Some voiced disappointment, with one remarking, "Do they know about India fabric and textile? Seriously, this collection looks cheap. Don’t throw something and call it fashion." Additionally, concerns about inclusivity were evident. Celebrity stylist Preetam Jukalkar highlighted the predominance of thin models on the runway, underscoring a lack of diverse body representation. These observations reflect broader conversations in the fashion industry about embracing diversity and inclusivity, especially as the Indian modelling scene evolves to celebrate various body types and identities because fashion is more than just clothing—it is storytelling, culture, and a bridge between the past and future, and a way to embrace the present.

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