Here are 10 of the most insightful quotes attributed to Vivienne Westwood, and the logic behind them.
1. On Character
Get rid of those terrible jeans that everybody else wears. And wear something different for a change, so you don't just look like a clone.
The Meaning: This line from Vivienne Westwood compresses a lived tension into a single readable moment. Read it slowly: it is not asking you to agree, but to notice where the same pattern shows up in your own life. If you take it seriously, it becomes a test—what would you change if this were reliably true for you?
2. On Clarity
Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well.
The Meaning: This line from Vivienne Westwood compresses a lived tension into a single readable moment. Read it slowly: it is not asking you to agree, but to notice where the same pattern shows up in your own life. If you take it seriously, it becomes a test—what would you change if this were reliably true for you?
3. On Wealth and Value
You have a more interesting life if you impress people with your imagination instead of your money.
The Meaning: This line from Vivienne Westwood compresses a lived tension into a single readable moment. Read it slowly: it is not asking you to agree, but to notice where the same pattern shows up in your own life. If you take it seriously, it becomes a test—what would you change if this were reliably true for you?
4. On Perspective
The sexiest thing is confidence—and clothes can be armor for that.
The Meaning: This line from Vivienne Westwood compresses a lived tension into a single readable moment. Read it slowly: it is not asking you to agree, but to notice where the same pattern shows up in your own life. If you take it seriously, it becomes a test—what would you change if this were reliably true for you?
5. On Discipline
Culture should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.
The Meaning: This line from Vivienne Westwood compresses a lived tension into a single readable moment. Read it slowly: it is not asking you to agree, but to notice where the same pattern shows up in your own life. If you take it seriously, it becomes a test—what would you change if this were reliably true for you?
6. On Fear and Courage
I'm not afraid to be outrageous; timidity is the enemy of ideas.
The Meaning: This separates fear from paralysis. Fear can be accurate information; the failure mode is when it becomes your only information. The point is to act with fear present, not to wait until fear disappears.
7. On Time
I was the first person to have a punk rock hairstyle.
The Meaning: This line from Vivienne Westwood compresses a lived tension into a single readable moment. Read it slowly: it is not asking you to agree, but to notice where the same pattern shows up in your own life. If you take it seriously, it becomes a test—what would you change if this were reliably true for you?
8. On Action
If you wear your values, you never forget them.
The Meaning: This line from Vivienne Westwood compresses a lived tension into a single readable moment. Read it slowly: it is not asking you to agree, but to notice where the same pattern shows up in your own life. If you take it seriously, it becomes a test—what would you change if this were reliably true for you?
9. On Creativity
Art and fashion are politics you can wear.
The Meaning: This line from Vivienne Westwood compresses a lived tension into a single readable moment. Read it slowly: it is not asking you to agree, but to notice where the same pattern shows up in your own life. If you take it seriously, it becomes a test—what would you change if this were reliably true for you?
10. On Growth
I'm not trendy—I'm a reaction to trends.
The Meaning: This line from Vivienne Westwood compresses a lived tension into a single readable moment. Read it slowly: it is not asking you to agree, but to notice where the same pattern shows up in your own life. If you take it seriously, it becomes a test—what would you change if this were reliably true for you?
