News And Projects

Autumn-Winter 2024/25 – The Sorrows of Young Werther

02/10/2024 — Vivienne Westwood

This season, our Autumn-Winter 2024/25 lookbook follows the romantic lyricism of Goethe’s ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther.’ Having received the book as a gift from her husband Andreas, Vivienne noted, ‘It was the first tragic novel, and it caused a sensation – and was one of the factors which led to the Romantic movement. Napoleon took ‘Werther’ on his Egyptian campaign in 1798 – and when he met Goethe in 1808, he told him that he had read the book seven times – he decorated him. It is still a model of literature in the education curriculum across Europe.’

Our collection began here – drawing from the 'Empire Style' design movement of the 1800's, which married classical silhouettes with the florid opulence of Imperial Rome. Napoleonic silhouettes and historical details adorn our clothes this season, complete with full sleeves, high waistlines and romantic drapery. Designs are also inspired by decorative arts, furniture and architecture, reminiscent of the era. Our archive ‘Salon print’ features across fluid jersey, draped dresses and undergarments, offered alongside dismantled metallic knitwear, satin tailoring, and velvet brocade corsetry. A "draped tartan" artwork is also featured across outerwear, tailoring, shirts, and dresses – emphasising this Neo-classical aesthetic.

Echoing the symbolism of Goethe's novel, a harmony exists between the garments themselves - which follow early 19th century styling - and the accompanying imagery for the collection. A series of still life and portraits reference iconography from the story itself: Lotte’s pink ribbons, hands touching, blissful scenes of children playing, storms, or military uniforms. We also shot on an English farm, capturing bucolic pastoral landscapes, while scenes of romanticism are illustrated through portraits of young lovers, embracing.