In the aftermath of Vivienne Westwood‘s passing the previous year, her widower and fellow designer, Andreas Kronthaler, has been tireless in his efforts to celebrate her monumental legacy through emotionally charged collections. Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood’s Fall/Winter 2023 line is an eloquent homage to the indelible imprint Westwood left on the fashion landscape, drawing us into the charm of her native Hollingworth, England, for the season’s campaign.
Nestled within the expanses of Greater Manchester, this quaint village lies in the Borough of Tameside, the same place where the designer spent her formative years and found her final resting place. Kronthaler, in collaboration with esteemed fashion photographer Juergen Teller, expertly weaves this intimate narrative into the seasonal campaign.
The picturesque journey originates at Westwood’s childhood home at No.6 Millbrook, subsequently leading us to a kaleidoscope of familiar spots. Each stop – be it a children’s playground, a bustling bowling alley, or a local football club – serves as a poignant backdrop for the Fall/Winter collection. They even graced Westwood’s family homes, transforming their gardens into vibrant fashion stages. These locations culminate at Westwood’s gravesite, making the campaign as much a celebration of her life as it is a showcase for her designs. “It felt very special to document this moment”, Kronthaler remarked, encapsulating the healing power of the creative process.
The casting for this personal campaign adds another layer of depth, featuring individuals with strong ties to Westwood. The roster includes model Vivienne Rohner, a close friend, along with Ben Westwood, her son, Cora Corré, her granddaughter, alongside Parisian model Zakaria Dau, and iconic ’90s male supermodel Mark Vandaloo. Each model channels the unique elements of the Fall/Winter 2023 collection, making every design come alive.
Gordon Swire, Westwood’s brother and filmmaker, added another nostalgic note, filming the shoot and providing cherished anecdotes about their youth. The campaign visuals are infused with this intimacy, from relatives leaning against the home garden brick walls, clad in dynamic overcoats and brimmed tophats, to the spirited essence of Westwood’s punk personality emanating from plaid suiting, graphic tees, and mohawk hairstyles.
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