Set against the magnificent backdrop of Mumbai’s Gateway of India, illuminated in a kaleidoscope of colors, Vivienne Westwood’s first-ever fashion showcase in India was nothing short of a spectacle. Paying homage to the country’s rich artisanal heritage, the British label unveiled a striking curation of its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, seamlessly interwoven with a special capsule line crafted from India’s most revered hand-woven textiles in Madhya Pradesh’s Chanderi silk and Khadi.
Among the show’s highlights was Bollywood’s rising star Alaya F, who embraced Westwood’s signature punk-meets-elegance aesthetic with absolute conviction. Keeping aside the conventional and boring red-carpet formula, she made a bold statement in a form-fitting top emblazoned with the brand’s logo, layered beneath a multi-colored plaid jacket and matching shorts.
She accessorised the look with a dramatic pearl choker and as an ode to Westwood’s love for maximalist embellishments. While her ankle-high boots and a high ponytail completed the rebellious yet refined ensemble, making it a perfect look for the brand’s signature punk ethos. Unlike her contemporaries, who largely opted for polished, traditional silhouettes, Alaya F’s fearless approach to styling was a refreshing nod to the label’s punk roots.
Despite Mumbai’s humidity and an unseasonal drizzle, the show received the audience’s attention from the very first model’s stride. The collection featured sheer, ethereal silhouettes in delicate pastels, juxtaposed against the signature Westwood tartan and structured wool ensembles. Male models confidently donned tartan skirts, while corsets were re-imagined with contemporary cuts, accentuating the art of sculpted tailoring.
Voluminous skirts added a sense of theatrical grandeur, making each look a masterclass in dramatic design. The ensembles were further elevated with carefully curated accessories like statement bags, layered jewellery, and avant-garde footwear, each piece enhancing the runway’s eclectic yet cohesive narrative.
The landmark event was a collaborative effort, presented in partnership with the Department of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, and Vivz Fashion School Pvt. Ltd. The illustrious guest list featured Bollywood A-listers, including Kareena Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Mira Rajput, Huma Qureshi, Bhumi Pednekar, Manushi Chhillar, and Disha Patani. Industry stalwarts such as Twinkle Khanna, Vijay Varma, Rohit Saraf, and Aditya Roy Kapur also graced the event, adding to the glamour of the evening.
By intertwining age-old Indian textile traditions with the label’s signature boldness, the evening was designed to showcase India’s rising dominance in luxury fashion. Although, the runway showcased was a tribute to the late Dame Vivienne Westwood’s legacy, and the show balanced contemporary silhouettes with archival designs, it received mixed reviews from the onlookers and critics for the contemporary line-up. The brand’s official page later posted a group picture of the models to mark their presence in the Indian market.
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