Vivienne Westwood stands alone in the nexus between pop culture and fashion — her finest works rendered inextricable from the legendary punks which donned them. Initially drawn to the movement by its shock and subversion, her store King’s Road (later renamed SEX, and then Seditionaries) became the most crucial author of the movement’s visual language. As Westwood’s career progressed, she became more firmly entrenched in the mainstream (receiving British Fashion Designer of the Year three times), yet has still remained a designer for whom the political and social message behind her clothing is often as important as the garments themselves. In recent years she has continued to release collections aimed at calling attention to numerous social issues, including nuclear weapons and climate change.

This set underscores some of the more sophisticated construction elements of Vivienne’s work, which, though not as attention grabbing as the bolder aspects of her output — shocking graphics, tattered fabrics, and calls for rebellion — has been a constant since her earliest days. She has time and time again opted to work with unique materials, and experimented with creative technical production techniques, all of which can be seen on display here. This set, which appeared on the runway, is painted gold and features inverted seams throughout.

Jacket

Condition: 9/10. No significant flaws.

Tagged size: S

Shoulder: 18in

Pit to pit: 20in

Length: 22in

Sleeve: 23in

Pants

Condition: 9/10. No significant flaws.

Tagged size: 28

Waist: 13.5in

Rise: 11.5in

Thigh: 11in

Inseam: 32.5in

Hem: 7.5in