Why is Gen-Z Obsessed with Vivienne Westwood? (2024)

Why is Gen-Z Obsessed with Vivienne Westwood?

The designer's logo-emblazoned pearl choker has taken over social media

BY Caroline Kloster Aug 05, 2020

Vivienne Westwood first gained notoriety as a designer amidst the punk and New Wave fashion movements of the 1970s and ’80s, creating disruptive clothing to provoke social and political change. She and then-boyfriend Malcolm McLaren set up shop at 430 Kings Road in the early ’70s, and members of the London punk scene used the boutique as a meeting spot. Sex, as it was renamed in 1974 (the store went through several different identities), was filled with leather, latex, fetish wear, and other subversive styles popular among the punks. Westwood has carried her rebellious spirit into her collections throughout her career, often combining punk symbolism with traditional feminine themes, and she’s now considered one of the greatest architects of British style.

While best-known for celebrating subculture, the designer’s work has transcended generations and their trends. Once a pioneer of punk, Westwood’s fashion is now being co-opted by Gen-Z. So how and why did American teens, who claim their primary meeting spots on apps like TikTok and Instagram, come to adopt Westwood’s famous orb logo—particularly in the form of a pearl choker necklace—as the of-the-moment accessory trend?

Perhaps the answer to the “why” is quite simple: because they can. It’s no surprise that when Gen-Z declares something a trend, it spreads like wildfire. With the ins-and-outs of the Internet at their fingertips, Gen-Z has mastered the art of going viral. Algorithms on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube make it incredibly easy to see one particular style over and over again. In the social media echo chamber, FOMO comes in the form of not hopping on the latest street style trend or mastering the next dance challenge. Recently, these digital spaces have been filled with teens sporting Westwood’s Mini Bas Relief Choker.

The pearl necklace is easy to spot thanks to Westwood’s distinct orb logo. First created in the late ’80s, the emblem is a hybrid of the sovereign’s orb and the rings of Saturn. Combining royal British iconography and outer-space symbolism, it represents the importance of the past while nodding towards the future. This is a seemingly perfect fit for Westwood’s brand, as her collections often bring a modern and defiant twist to conventionally upper-class fashions like the corset and the crinoline. Juxtaposing subculture with tradition, the designer remixes sartorial codes in ways that resonate with younger consumers.

In their own way, members of Gen-Z have fused the past and future with their approach to style. As dressing for your Instagram feed becomes the norm, younger generations of fashion fans want clothing that’s universally cool but has stand-out potential. This has spurred a revival of second-hand shopping and vintage scoring, making thrifting and up-cycling pastimes of an in-the-know generation. Celebrities and style stars have also promoted this, putting their own archival finds on display. In 2019, Vivienne Westwood corsets had a revival of their own, with FKA Twigs, Bella Hadid, Megan Thee Stallion, and two Kardashian sisters flaunting their vintage waist-whittling finds.

While the archival corsets go for thousands of dollars, for the younger generation, the pearl choker has become a relatively accessible status symbol. With current versions sold out on the Vivienne Westwood online shop and other main retailers, the Internet natives have turned to scouring the web to score the signature piece. Depop, a fashion marketplace app known for its wealth of one-off vintage items, is a particularly popular place to look for Gen-Z shoppers. The app has nearly become a social media network in its own right following the increased demand for vintage fashion in recent years. By adopting buzzwords like ‘vintage’ or ‘y2k’ and making them essential descriptors of Internet-approved clothing, Gen-Z has reclaimed styles of the past and created a community dedicated to it in the process. It’s worth noting, however, that dupes of designer finds litter sites like Depop, and in-demand pieces like the Westwood choker are sure to be knocked-off.

The sheer popularity of the necklace on social media shows how Gen-Z has taken the age-old and notoriously exclusive concept of high fashion and made it accessible and easy: easy to be inspired by others, easy to access different perspectives and aesthetics, and easy to share in the collective excitement of how cool the one accessory really is. It’s not rebellious for everyone to wear the same thing, but it’s disruptive to have the power to decide what that thing is. When the trend du jour is from a designer as defiant as Westwood, it makes it that much more meaningful. There’s clout in unearthing pieces from the past and wearing them in a modern context without explanation or cause. Moreover, Gen-Z has flipped the switch and is using fashion to foster community online rather than competition.

TikTokers and Instagrammers alike have taken what has always been vital to the fashion industry—in-person advertising and interaction—and made it less important. They’ve learned how to exploit the irresistible temptation of trends via online platforms, creating an endless stream of thrifting hauls and outfit of the day content. Without a doubt, the Internet has helped them shape and amplify the way trends are created and imitated.

The average American teenager on TikTok might order a Westwood pearl orb necklace to look like the girl she saw on her “For You” page. Uploading a video of her wearing it backed by a viral snippet of audio can then make her feel like part of a community. Unlike other influencers, however, Gen-Z is a population of Internet-age consumers that have a disruptive loyalty amongst themselves rather than any particular brand. Their trends move too fast to dwell on any one designer for long. And what’s more punk than having the power?

Why is Gen-Z Obsessed with Vivienne Westwood? (1)
Why is Gen-Z Obsessed with Vivienne Westwood? (2)
Why is Gen-Z Obsessed with Vivienne Westwood? (3)
Why is Gen-Z Obsessed with Vivienne Westwood? (2024)

FAQs

Why is Vivienne Westwood necklace so popular? ›

The currently trending manga Nana, adapted into an anime series from 2006 to 2007, heavily promotes Westwood's Orb design. Its author, Ai Yazawa, a former fashion student, was charmed by the British designer's punk roots, sparking a craze for Westwood's jewellery with the show's cult following.

What is special about Vivienne Westwood? ›

Westwood was renowned for her parodying of English looks, her innovative take on traditional tailoring and use of materials such as tartan and Harris Tweed. Even during the Punk years, when she and collaborator Malcolm McLaren created raw, deconstructive street fashion, Westwood's designs referenced historical styles.

Is Vivienne Westwood considered luxury? ›

Vivienne Westwood – Similar to Raf Simons or Undercover's Jun Takahashi, Vivienne Westwood is also one of the representatives of luxury fashion with punk influences.

Is Vivienne Westwood relevant? ›

With a design record spanning over forty years, Vivienne Westwood is now recognised as a global brand and Westwood herself as one of the most influential fashion designers, and activists, in the world today.

What is the necklace that everyone has? ›

Suddenly, everyone's wearing this pearl choker.

Vivienne Westwood's Bas Relief Choker, featuring three rows of pearls from Swarovski, has appeared on so many influencer and celebrity users that, as a trend forecaster explained in The New York Times, 'it's actually called the TikTok necklace.

Why is Vivienne Westwood an inspiration? ›

Westwood's inspiration was from bikers, fetishists and prostitutes. She was largely responsible for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream.

How would you describe Vivienne Westwood's style? ›

Westwood's style was not solely defined by exhibitionism, but she did wear her political agenda on her sleeve. An ardent activist, the designer had taken the slogan idea and gone wild with it: printing, knitting, and pinning manifestos on garments and accessories that function like pliable and portable sandwich boards.

What is the aesthetic of Vivienne Westwood? ›

From her signature tartan plaids, a juxtaposition of baroque aesthetics with a gritty punk edge, and a soft romanticism —Westwood is fully cemented as one of the great disrupters of fashion, leaving behind an immeasurable legacy.

What is Vivienne Westwood weakness? ›

Weakness- Vivienne Westwood has a very unique style that customers may not like or suit. Having to compete with other brands whilst still keeping their well known image. As knew trends may not suit the brands identity.

Why is Vivienne Westwood an icon? ›

Vivienne Westwood is widely recognized as a key figure in the punk movement of the 1970s. Her bold and unconventional fashion designs were not only influential within the punk subculture, but also had a significant impact on the wider fashion industry and popular culture.

Why is Vivienne Westwood a fashion icon? ›

The designer is understood as an early pioneer of the British punk aesthetic and has left behind an impressive 50-year fashion legacy. Unapologetically outspoken, Westwood embodied anarchy and rebellion in both attitude and fashion.

Is Vivienne Westwood jewelry high quality? ›

Vivienne Westwood jewellery is crafted from high-quality premium materials, so one way to check the authenticity of your jewellery is to analyse the quality.

Is Vivienne Westwood feminist? ›

Vivienne Westwood represents a new wave of feminist thinking.

What does Vivienne Westwood fight for? ›

CLIMATE REVOLUTION

Vivienne Westwood has always used her collections and catwalk shows as a platform to campaign for positive activism. She has spent many years tirelessly speaking out about the effects of climate change and overconsumption, and has mobilised international attention around ecological crusading.

What culture is Vivienne Westwood? ›

Vivienne Westwood was born Vivienne Isabel Swire in Glossop, Derbyshire, in 1941 and has come to be known as one of the most influential British fashion designers of the twentieth century.

What necklace is Mila Kunis wearing? ›

FSM Shark Tooth Necklace

As seen in the movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” worn by stunning Mila Kunis.

What necklace did Marilyn Monroe wear? ›

When you think of spectacular natural diamonds, “The Moon of Baroda” may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But it very well should be, being that the stone was the largest diamond necklace that glamour's forever icon, Marilyn Monroe, was ever known to have worn.

What necklace did Lady Gaga wear? ›

Her morganite and diamond necklace at the 2022 Grammys inspired a retelling of the stone's namesake—one of the great jewelry patrons and collectors of the 20th century—JP Morgan. Lady Gaga in the Tiffany Diamond at the 2019 Oscars.

What is Vivienne Westwood's motto? ›

Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity.

What is Vivienne Westwood's personality? ›

Vivienne Westwood's personality is synonymous with boldness, creativity, and non-conformity. Discover the captivating story of this punk fashion icon and boundary-pushing designer, from her early influences to her lasting impact on fashion and culture.

What are the key words to describe Vivienne Westwood? ›

Great, irreverent, unconventional, independent and activist, Vivienne Westwood evokes endless adjectives at her 75 years.

What does the Vivienne Westwood necklace design mean? ›

Upon entering the 80s, the orb emblem was born by combining the royal British symbol seen on crown jewels and rings of Saturn. Westwood, who admired Britain's deep history of monarchy and astronomy, wanted to pay homage to both facets.

What is Vivienne Westwood's accent? ›

Despite going on to live in London for most of her life, she never lost her Derbyshire accent – or her memories of childhood. In her 2014 biography, Vivienne Westwood, she paints an extraordinarily vivid, almost poetic, picture of her Derbyshire days.

How has Vivienne Westwood impacted fashion? ›

The shop cemented Westwood's association with punk and, along with McLaren, she was credited for giving the subculture a radical style that was unlike anything before. Westwood's creations of bondage trousers, ripped t-shirts and provocative slogans made a mark on culture and later mainstream fashion.

What is the most popular Vivienne Westwood? ›

Tartan Trousers

If there's one print that's synonymous with Vivienne Westwood fashion, it's tartan. The plaid pattern first appeared as part of her 1993 Anglomania collection, and sought to reinvent how the traditional British fabric was used.

Is the Vivienne Westwood Cross religious? ›

The Sovereign's Orb is a hollow gold sphere and around the middle sits a band of pearls and gemstones with an amethyst and gold cross sitting on the top. This Orb is a religious symbol that represents the Monarch's role as Defender of the Faith.

Is Vivienne Westwood alternative? ›

It would be a sin to make a list about punk and alternative fashion and not include Vivienne Westwood. She brought punk fashion to the mainstream, showed that tattoos were a beautiful accessory and created some of the classic trends that punks everywhere still wear today.

Is Vivienne Westwood political? ›

From climate change to Brexit, Vivienne Westwood was well-known for her political statements, both on and off the runway.

What does the Saturn necklace mean? ›

What Does the Saturn Necklace Mean? The Saturn necklace is a piece of jewelry that is associated with the astrological sign of Saturn, which rules time, fate, and karma. This necklace is meant to be a reminder of the wearer's fate and the inherent challenges that come with it.

What is Vivienne Westwood Gold Label? ›

Vivienne Westwood Gold Label

Lending a couture-quality craftsmanship to the revered British designer's signature dramatic style, this range focuses on luscious embellishment and theatrical shapes.

Did Vivienne Westwood create anarchy symbol? ›

Yahoo Style: You casually told SCAD students last night that you invented the anarchy sign. Really? Vivienne Westwood: Yes, I did. But it wasn't an invention, it was just an “A” in a circle.

Did Carrie Bradshaw wear Vivienne Westwood? ›

Cast your mind back to 2008, when Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw almost walked down the aisle in her distinctive wedding dress in the first Sex And The City movie.

Is Vivienne Westwood A Vegan? ›

“I am an eco-warrior, but I take long showers with a clean conscience because I'm vegetarian,” she said in the spot, which launched in 2014.

What font is Vivienne Westwood? ›

The Vivienne Westwood font is Raphael. It is an art nouveau style, reminiscent of '70s retro, published by Monotype Imaging Inc.

Who is the mother of punk fashion? ›

Vivienne Westwood gave birth to punk, conquered high-fashion and built a global empire.

Who made Vivienne Westwood popular? ›

Westwood came to public notice when she made clothes for the boutique that she and Malcolm McLaren ran on King's Road, which became known as SEX. Their ability to synthesize clothing and music shaped the 1970s UK punk scene, which included McLaren's band, the Sex Pistols.

Who is considered the first punk band? ›

Traditionally, there are three records that are cited as the “first” punk rock releases: the first Ramones album (April 1976), the “New Rose” 45 by the Damned (October '76), and the Saints debut album, (I'm) Stranded (September '76).

Are Vivienne Westwood necklaces good quality? ›

Vivienne Westwood jewellery is crafted from high-quality premium materials, so one way to check the authenticity of your jewellery is to analyse the quality. All jewellery pieces are made from sterling silver, brass, steel or accompanied with alternative metals and stones.

Are Vivienne Westwood necklaces real silver? ›

Vivienne Westwood uses mostly sterling silver and brass alongside imitation metals and stones on their jewelry. Though all metals do tarnish over time regular cleaning and proper storage will extend the life of your most beloved pieces: Cleaning: Sterling silver is a precious metal and therefore needs looking after.

Who wears Vivienne Westwood jewelry? ›

Vivienne Westwood's iconic designs were frequently featured on dozens of stars, including Kim Kardashian, Gwen Stefani, Gigi Hadid and more. The British designer, who died in December 2022 at the age of 81, got her start in the early '70s with her romantic and business partner, Malcolm McLaren.

What does the Vivienne Westwood Orb logo mean? ›

The Sovereign's Orb is a hollow gold sphere and around the middle sits a band of pearls and gemstones with an amethyst and gold cross sitting on the top. This Orb is a religious symbol that represents the Monarch's role as Defender of the Faith.

Does real Vivienne Westwood tarnish? ›

All sterling silver will tarnish over time. But it will happen much faster when it comes into contact with agents such as perfume, salty air, sulphur, skin creams, hairspray, chlorine and acidic skin ph. The amount of tarnishing (oxidisation) that occurs is dependent on the skin and care habits of the wearer.

How would you describe Vivienne Westwood? ›

Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood DBE RDI (née Swire; 8 April 1941 – 29 December 2022) was an English fashion designer and businesswoman, largely responsible for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream. In 2022, Sky Arts rated her the 4th most influential artist in Britain of the last 50 years.

Can I wear my Vivienne Westwood necklace in the shower? ›

Personally, I say yes, Vivienne Westwood jewellery is totally worth the money! My pieces are all 8-10 years old now and they still look fantastic. However, I would say to look after your jewellery; don't wear it in the shower or at the beach / swimming pool / hot tub.

What is the symbol on Vivienne Westwood jewelry? ›

The pearl necklace is easy to spot thanks to Westwood's distinct orb logo. First created in the late '80s, the emblem is a hybrid of the sovereign's orb and the rings of Saturn. Combining royal British iconography and outer-space symbolism, it represents the importance of the past while nodding towards the future.

Do Vivienne Westwood necklaces last? ›

Vivienne Westwood necklaces are made of high quality materials that are designed to last. However, like all jewelry, they may eventually tarnish over time.

Does sterling silver turn green when wet? ›

Moisture & Humidity

Moisture in the air or on the skin can react with the copper present in all Sterling Silver jewelry, causing a green discoloration. This is a fairly common complaint in hot, humid climates and can also affect individuals with particularly moist skin.

Who is the brand ambassador of Vivienne Westwood? ›

Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, George Clooney & More Team Up To Save The Arctic. Vivienne Westwood taps 60 famous friends to model her t-shirts for a cause.

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