News And Projects
Vivienne Westwood at the Gateway of India
28/03/2025 — Vivienne Westwood
On the 1st April 2025, we hosted our first-ever fashion show in India, presented at the historic and prestigious Gateway of India, Mumbai, celebrating India’s rich textile heritage. The show presented a selection of Spring Summer 2025 Vivienne Westwood looks and special archive pieces, alongside a capsule collection of Vivienne Westwood couture looks, created with the finest natural hand-woven Indian silks and Khadi cottons and wool – the artisanal fabric which was reinvigorated by Mahatma Gandhi – and is known as a symbol of the freedom of India.
In partnership with the Department of Textiles, Govt. of Maharashtra and Vivz Fashion School Pvt. Ltd, the collection celebrates the craftmanship of these hand-woven fabrics, sourced from across India, provided by Khadi India and Aaranya/Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), created by Indian artisans using traditional techniques. The word ‘Khadi’ is derived from "Khaddar," a term used for the hand spun fabric of India. Khadi fabric is known for its natural, coarse texture, due to its handmade process, and its versatility - keeping you warm in winter and cool in the summer. Khadi is spun using a charkha or an Indian spinning wheel and was reintroduced to the people of India to achieve self-sufficiency and independence. The Khadi movement, a socio-cultural narrative, was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 and became an important national icon of the Freedom Movement.
Reflective of the landscape and the natural fibres of the Khadi, and rich Chanderi silks, the Vivienne Westwood capsule collection features summer white muslin cottons and raw silks, sand Muga silks and stone pashmina wool, sky blue cotton, vibrant purple raw silk and rich black cotton. The collection combines Vivienne Westwood silhouettes with a nod to traditional Indian clothing. The simplicity of the fabrics, with a focus on their natural textures, are combined with complex tailoring, sculptured or draped evening wear. Using one special khadi or Chanderi fabric per style, allowing each the attention it deserves, highlighting the craftmanship of the fabric.
Vivienne Westwood has long championed craftsmanship and heritage, as we continue to use artisanal fabrics within our collections. Through working with and promoting artisans and small heritage production, we are proud to promote traditional forms of fabric production, and craftmanship. The show took place at the historic Gateway of India, a monument which now represents the freedom of India and is synonymous with the city of Mumbai – a hub for locals and tourists, for music and celebration, a melting pot of different cultures and religions, in the heart of the city.
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