Artisanal Unconventionality – An Exclusive Interview with Vivienne Westwood’s Head of Couture

Revered for her corsetry signature and militant edge, Vivienne Westwood’s most recent bridal collection is nothing short of design regalia, catering to the bride who yearns for artisanal unconventionality. The latest collection values brand legacy, paying homage to the blindfolded bride from the Spring-Summer 1997 Vive La Bagatelle collection.

From dramatic silhouettes and Chantilly lace drapery, designs have a stroke of technical mastery honoring the ethereal and avant-garde. Offering made-to-order and couture pieces, the collection never detours from brand legacy. Celebrating draped silhouettes, and exaggerated corsetry, the new collection is made with an inventive bride in mind.

We sat down with Vivienne Westwood’s Head of Couture, Brigitte Stepputtis, in an exclusive interview to hear about the concept behind the collection and the tapestry of silhouettes it embodies.

“Celebrating love is an incredibly personal journey and our collection is an ode to affinity and companionship, and what that means to the individual.”

What was the inspiration for the new collection?

Westwood brides hold a strong sense of individuality and self-expression. To celebrate this, our couture collection draws inspiration from our friends of the house, capturing them against the enchanting backdrop of Paris. Each couture look, synonymous with our atelier, is presented through a series of portraits – real people, captured through an intimate lens – celebrating the essence of companionship and matrimony, from their free thinking and liberated perspective.

Tell us about the fabrics and silhouettes featured in this collection?

Our couture collection features a tapestry of silhouettes – it’s a challenge to single out our favourite as each design embodies the individual. For instance, the silk moiré faille exudes the bold artistry of Brianna, while the delicate embroidered tulle mirrors the ethereal charm of Eline. Within our Made-to-Order collection standout pieces include the Nova Bagatelle, which pays homage to the blindfolded bride from our Spring-Summer 1997 Vive La Bagatelle collection and the Vaida dress, with drapery and intricate pattern system, is developed in organic silk crepe and offers a truly unique silhouette.

Vivienne Westwood’s perspective on the bridal industry currently, and what you’d love to see more, or less of?

At the heart of our bridal design process is Vivienne’s ethos ‘Buy less, choose well, make it last’. Each piece is designed, sampled and handcrafted locally in England, and we advocate for our brides to reimagine their bridal look beyond the wedding. This is in the hope that their gown can be re-worn or passed down through future generations, or by altering their dress post-wedding to give it another life – this is our priority.

We love drama of the accessories in this campaign, what should be considered when choosing accessories for a bridal gown?

Accessories play an important role in adding drama to our collections, the transformative elements enable the gowns to evolve throughout the day. Our 2024 collection features a range of statement pieces, from ornate headpieces to delicate handcrafted veils, detachable skirts, gloves and capes. This also gives the look longevity beyond the wedding.

What advice would you offer to couples looking to celebrate their love by personalizing that occasion?

Celebrating love is an incredibly personal journey and our collection is an ode to affinity and companionship, and what that means to the individual. We believe in creating bespoke and unique looks that reflect an individual or couple’s personal story. From custom embroidery on the dress or veil, to special touches like sewing a family heirloom into the gown, we want our gowns to hold meaning and significance to the wearer.

“Each couture look, synonymous with our atelier, is presented through a series of portraits – real people, captured through an intimate lens.”

Select made-to-order bridal styles are now available on the Vivienne Westwood website.

Photography / Kingsley Ifill