Christie's London is showcasing Vivienne Westwood's personal collection ahead of a landmark auction. Recognised as one of the most important British fashion designers of all time, Westwood's collection features over 200 items spanning 40 years, with a portion of the sale proceeds benefiting charity.

There is something sad about knowing that after auction Westwood’s belongings will be scattered around the world, but we can take solace in the fact this is very much what she wanted. Christie’s Auction House in St James has been honoured with the task and have worked closely with her third husband and creative partner Andreas Kronthaler.

His forward in the catalogue:

“ A GENIUS BORN 1941

VIVIENNE WAS A REBEL

AN OUTSIDER WHO HAD A CALLING

TO BE DIFFERENT

TO EXPLODE THE SYSTEM

SHE WAS AN ORIGINAL THINKER

VIVIENNE WAS OUR HEROINE”

- Andreas

They had an unconventional relationship spanning more than 30 years. Andreas continues to design collections for her label. He has shared personal stories in the catalogue, adding a personal touch to this exhibition. He reminisces about her riding her bicycle to The Royal Opera House with her elevated Ghille Platforms in her basket, ready to wear at the end of her journey. Her favourite Cinderella Dress is displayed in a room of its own. She wore it so much that Andreas said, “I can’t see it anymore.” She replied, “I don’t care.” The dress was worn so often that it ripped at the seams, and her hand stitches are clearly visible. She was an amazing mender.

A highlight of the showcase is her “Five Centuries Ago" collection, beautifully complemented by paintings set to feature in Christie’s upcoming Old Masters Sale.

Pieces of note on show:

• A brown jumbo corduroy two-piece trouser suit from her autumn/winter 2004/05 collection was nicknamed the “Drunken Tailor’s Suit.” She wore it as recently as 2021 on a night out in Mayfair. It was her favourite, and she could often be seen cycling in it. All her work is underpinned by exquisite tailoring, and this clever suit is no exception.

• A nearly nude, provocatively suggestive dress made of Guipure lace, inspired by a fragment of altar lace brought back from her partner Andreas’ native Austria. (From the “I AM EXPENSIVE” Collection 2007)

• Her favourite green wool cardigan with pins chosen by her – AR (Active resistance) and POLITICIANS R CRIMINALS.

• The short Blue Velvet Jacket from the “ANGLOMANIA” Collection made famous when Naomi stumbled on the catwalk.

• The iconic moments Vivienne Westwood has created are innumerable. She is a gem and will be remembered with great affection in the fashion world for many years to come.

The deluxe special-edition auction catalogue is stunning and likely to become a collector’s item and can be purchased on the Christie’s website.

A live auction (Part I) of the collection will take place on 25 June, with an online sale (Part II) running alongside from 14–28 June.

Click here for a visual preview.

Date: 14 June – 24 June 2024. Location: Christie’s, 8 King St, St. James's, London SW1Y 6QT. Price: Free. Website: christies.com.

 Words by Natascha Milsom