Rediscover Vivienne Westwood's Punkish Jewellery in New Book
Jewellery was never an afterthought for Vivienne Westwood, who started creating unique pieces blending jewellery and fashion when she opened her King’s Road boutique in 1971. Chains hung from studded T-shirts or were adorned with provocative slogans such as ‘Rock,’ ‘Perv,’ and ‘Fuck,’ spelled out in chicken bones. This marked the start of Westwood’s distinctive jewellery style, ranging from punk influences to delicate pastels.
For Westwood, jewellery was daring, playful, and bold, becoming a signature expression of her creativity and attitude.
Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery: A New Publication
Thames & Hudson recently published Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery, a book dedicated to her love of jewellery. The collection includes pearl chokers and droplet earrings inspired by Elizabethan portraits, bondage chains, sado-masochistic buckled cuffs and dog collars, as well as crowns, medallions, and bejewelled regal orbs.
“The jewellery vocabulary of Vivienne Westwood is as distinct and immediately recognisable as that of her clothing,” says author and fashion critic Alexander Fury.
Thematic Elements and Style
The book features ten chapters celebrating the jewellery that defined Westwood’s style, from pearls and bows to a do-it-yourself philosophy and memento mori motifs. Recurring themes include sex, especially reflected in embellished cuffs and padlocks that reference BDSM culture.
Westwood’s jewellery remains a fearless and iconic aspect of her artistic legacy.
Author’s summary: Vivienne Westwood’s jewellery boldly blends punk rebellion, historic references, and provocative themes, captured vividly in a new book celebrating her singular style.