Hello all you VALLEY readers, my name is Molly McMenamy. During my time writing for this lovely magazine, I’ve produced 27 fashion articles. My 28th, and final one (though I’m having a hard time realizing it) is this one. It’s dedicated to the first designer I ever wrote a review about: Vivienne Westwood. Without her, there’s a chance I would’ve never had the spunk I have now, and without VALLEY, I don’t know where I’d be.
Runway Transportation
The beauty of Vivienne Westwood’s designs, especially in the ‘90s, lay in their maximalist nature. Patterns clashed together like paint on a canvas. No corset was too tight and no skirt was too large. The models acted as art themselves, each with a personality that unapologetically blinded audiences.
As Westwood’s designs were famously punk, they were also capable of transporting viewers to another place and time. This idea is nothing new though, with her first collection in 1981 titled ‘Pirate’ featuring swashbuckling, genderblending models in ship-ready hats and pantaloons. Nevertheless, Westwood never “got with the times” and therefore, her collections transcended trends as we know them today.
Need Some Joy?
Another thing about Vivienne Westwood designs is that they’re fun. Hate on them if you want, but just know, you’re missing out on a bunch of whimsy. The fabrics, especially the famous tartan, were always bright and full of life. It’s that special kind of dopamine dressing that’s hard to accomplish today. It’s a punch of happiness that you can’t run from, you can’t help but smile.
That kind of joy can only come from a designer who wants to push boundaries. Vivienne was known to stray away from what’s popular, to make everything from her own imagination. Designing from your own dreams, and creating a new world in the process, is a special talent. It’s the reason why her clothes brought and continue to bring joy to fashion-lovers everywhere.
Final Bow
In the end, Westwood’s designs were loud and in your face. Even if they leaned toward luxury, they still had their punk flair. That was because she was a woman on a mission. A punk, a climate activist and a world-changer are just a few titles I’d use to describe her. She taught me that everything is possible and that the world can be a beautiful place.
Here is the end, my fellow VALLEY-lovers. This is my final paragraph and my final letter to the fashion section. It has been an honor to write for you. VALLEY was the first place I ever called home as a writer. It has helped me grow in indescribable ways. If anyone out there wants to join VALLEY, I implore you to, you won’t regret it. To every new fashion writer out there, be loud with your opinions and style. Scream and the rest will follow- Molly McMenamy.
