Vivienne Westwood’s influence reaches well beyond the realm of traditional fashion, showcasing a revolutionary approach that intertwines the worlds of fashion, art, and rebellion. A new book titled Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery, published by Thames & Hudson, seeks to celebrate and illuminate her significant contributions to the jewelry industry for the first time.
The book, authored by fashion critic Alexander Fury in collaboration with the Vivienne Westwood brand, provides a deep dive into Westwood’s distinctive jewelry design. Featured within its pages are a variety of her iconic creations, such as safety-pin earrings, pearl chokers, and bondage-inspired accessories. Each piece exemplifies her trademark blend of luxury with an underlying subversion, positioning jewelry not merely as ornamental but as a potent medium for personal expression.
Andreas Kronthaler, Creative Director at Vivienne Westwood, emphasizes the deeper meaning behind her creations, stating, “Jewelry is powerful, and it can be loaded with meaning.” Central to this notion is the orb logo, which symbolizes heritage, unity, and progress—an enduring testament to Westwood’s creative vision. Kronthaler describes it as a jewel that encapsulates the essence of time—embracing the past while resonating with contemporary and future sentiments.
The publication is organized into ten thematic chapters, each chronicling the motifs, materials, and inspirations that shaped Westwood’s artistic universe. Chapters such as Pearls, Do It Yourself, Pagan, and Drops & Bows delve into Westwood’s varied influences and styles. Complemented by nearly 200 striking photographs by Philippe Lacombe, the book showcases remarkable pieces including the Chaos Necklace, Hardcore Paperclip Earrings, Nymph Earrings, and Flower Skull Necklace, each meticulously cataloged with details about their season, materials, and creative inspirations.
Accompanying the book’s release is the announcement of the Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery international exhibition, set to debut at Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand, in late 2024. This exhibition will not only showcase her jewelry but also her iconic garments, offering visitors an immersive experience enriched through sound, video, and catwalk imagery.
Following its initial run in Shanghai in July 2025, the exhibition will travel globally across Asia, the USA, and Europe, inviting audiences worldwide to explore Westwood’s intricate legacy.
Since establishing her King’s Road boutique in 1971, Westwood has profoundly influenced the integration of jewelry within fashion. Her innovative use of unconventional materials, such as chains juxtaposed with pearls, infuses traditional elegance with a streak of rebelliousness.
Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery encapsulates the essence of her artistry—both daring and refined, playful yet deeply political. The book offers an intricate look at how Westwood transformed jewelry into a dynamic form of self-expression and narrative, and it is now available at major retailers. This ongoing celebration of her work serves not just as a tribute, but as a reminder of the powerful role that jewelry plays in articulating personal and collective identities.