News And Projects

Christie’s Pays Tribute To Vivienne

14/08/2024 — Vivienne Westwood

‘WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY TO WAKE UP TO. THANK YOU, CHRISTIE’S … THREE QUARTERS OF A MILLION RAISED FOR GREENPEACE, THE VIVIENNE FOUNDATION, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AND MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES’

— Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne’s husband and Creative Director of Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood: Personal Collection - Christies

Christie’s honoured Vivienne through an exclusive exhibition and auction, titled ‘Vivienne Westwood: The Personal Collection.’ Iconic looks from Vivienne’s personal wardrobe were displayed, alongside The Big Picture – Vivienne’s Playing Cards, a limited-edition set of prints Vivienne designed as a strategy to save the world. The live and online auctions — in which all lots were successfully sold — have raised vital funds for charitable causes Vivienne supported throughout her life: The Vivienne Foundation, Amnesty International, Médecins Sans Frontières and Greenpeace.

‘THROUGHOUT HER LIFETIME, VIVIENNE USED HER VOICE TO LEAD A RELENTLESS FIGHT FOR JUSTICE. CONTINUOUSLY HIGHLIGHTING THE CORRUPTION IN THE WORLD AND TRYING HER BEST TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. IT WAS VIVIENNE’S AMBITION PRIOR TO HER DEATH TO RAISE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR GREENPEACE TO HELP THEM PROTECT OUR RAINFORESTS AND OCEANS AND SAVE THE PLANET FROM CLIMATE CHANGE.’

— The Vivienne Foundation

The free public exhibition took place at Christie’s headquarters on King Street, attracting more than 20,000 visitors to the galleries. Each item represented a significant moment in Vivienne's life and career: Vivienne’s Playing Cards, a project by The Vivienne Foundation for Greenpeace; a corset gown of taupe silk taffeta, that Vivienne wore to a gala event held in her honour at London’s V&A Museum in 1998; classic jewellery pieces, featuring a three row faux-pearl choker from the 'Anglomania' collection of Autumn-Winter 1993/94; or - underscoring her belief that clothes should live forever - Vivienne’s hand-stitching was visible on an ice blue satin scoop necked 'Cinderella' dress, inspired by a ballet costume, from the 'Gaia The Only One' Collection of Spring-Summer 2011; among other cherished pieces.

Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, and a beneficiary of the proceeds comments, "Dame Vivienne Westwood was a rebel with a cause, a pioneer and provocateur who fought tirelessly for a more just world. The Queen of Punk was a campaigner to her very core, with her art and activism inseparable. Amnesty is immensely proud to have had Dame Vivienne’s irrepressible support in the struggle for human rights. This most generous gift and partnership helps continue the fight for a world where everyone can live a life of freedom and dignity. Dame Vivienne’s activism will live on.” The auction realised a total of £754,488, with 100% of the items sold.