Still at the top: Westwood MAN SS14

Vivienne Westwood is if course the epitome of British fashion. She is the one designer you can always count on to defile, characterise and break the boundaries of current fashion trends. Short in short she hates modern day conventions when it comes to fashion. You can of course see that in her work, needless to say it doesn't always prevail, however this collection says otherwise.

As soon as designers think of SS collections, many automatically assume everyone will be out wearing shorts and floral prints. Being in the UK that isn't the case for most of us, and it's not for Westwood either. Forming to convention, Viv introduces her impeccably tailored suits, which are oversized, opulent and unique. The slightly oversized idea seems to be a key point with her tailoring this year. Of course paired with her signature MAN trousers, consisting if a slightly high rise jean and a slightly low drop belt, giving a very stylised feel to the outfit. In true Westwood fashion, Viv throws her beautiful and unique, signature jewelry into the mix. Not to mention the timeless and striking collection of shoes. The classic 'Orb moccasin' being one of my favourite pairs. 

The rest of the collection is again oversized and slightly tailored in areas. This is a slight reminisce of her 'Anglomania' collection she did a few years ago. There is an amazing contrast this year between the shoes and the rest of the outfit. She shows us all that you don't need to match an outfit in its entirety, to make it look amazing. Yet again, this is Vivienne Westwood. A light baroque feel seems to be incorporated too, this adds a little for conformity to upcoming trend for the brand, however that's about it. The overall feel for the collection dons a true British gentleman swept over by a remarkable splash of an artistic era. A contrast between colour and monotone is also important, not to forget contrasting statement pieces alongside the beautiful tailoring, that remains, forever British.

The solitary part that I don't like, is the jumper tucked into boxers look, for me this feels like a reverse Justin Bieber. Or perhaps it's an ode to all of those wanting their ass pumped in jail. Apart from that one thing, everything else is beautiful, and if I had the money, I would wearing everything. For now I'll resort to buying the odd thing and using second had stores for the rest of my Westwood supplies. Praise London!

Vivienne Westwood - Gold couture fit for a queen.

The aim of this blog is to centralise a breakdown in styling, and fashion of the worlds best fashion brands, and to also have my own virtual marketplace of design, catalogued from the best the fashion industry has to offer.

It is for that reason I chose to analyse a well known, and very aesthetically pleasing, piece of work, by one of the most controversial, eccentric and loved designers in British fashion.

Most of those reading this, and of my generation, will only know of Westwood’s work; post 1980′s Britain, (Unless of course you’re a fashion student) Or like myself; clutch a copy of ‘Vogue’ or ‘Dazed and Confused’ on every lengthy train journey or soul destroying commute to work.

Straying from the topic at hand a little, but onto the styling analogy. Being my first post, I wanted to choose a collection that I initially fell in love with. Of course It did just that. As Westwood describes her premium collection: ” Influences come from the 4 corners. Historical and Ethnic, structure and ‘flow”. From a styling perspective, this statement doesn’t come into play quite as much as the design of the garments. However you can still see the influence (predominantly historical). The items them self see a great influence of medieval Italy and Arabia. This expands the very complimentary  brown and gold colour palette.

As a Fine Art graduate, a good colour palette is ALWAYS crucial when piecing together an outfit. This effortless outfit, head to toe, really does seem to compliment each other. The only real aesthetically frustration I endured was seeing no scarf, or infect anything chunky just below the crew line. Having this being an AW I would have liked to see this outfit with more bulk. Especially paired against a cape with so much to drape. Ideally I would have paired this outfit with a statement gold parliament piece.

Again, full of compliments (don’t get used to it) but I am in love with the matching of hair and make up, which trails down the model, with an almost water flow like cascade. however I seem to recall Westwood using a similar, beaten theme in a previous AW collection. Perhaps 2011?

Finally, onto probably the most important piece; the shoes. These chunky, almost recycled yet signature boots, seem to provide the essential bold top off to the outfit. They affirm a display of confidence and sincerity with the outfit. Something every stylist wants to achieve!

Needless to say the outfit, and of course the collection is divine, in its entirety. I can only hope that at some point in the future, something as premium and self titled is available for men!