Vivienne Westwood: 'Punk was just an excuse for people to run around'

[@PaulyPaulPaul]

I studied fine art at art college. Something she said years ago stuck in my head, it was something like: People are always asking me How can I create original work. Create work you like, don't try to imitate others. If you create what you like, you are unique, so your work will be too. She was all about honest with yourself.

[@anishasandhu]

i loved when she was talking about buying less clothes and consuming less and just wearing pieces that you love.

[@bernstyles]

70s punk was freedom, it broke rules of conservatism and censorship. It was anti-establishment, political, pro- honesty. It gave young minorities, lower class, the unloved, a place they could be themselves. It was artistic and creative, powerful and entertaining.

[@rajanm5571]

Except the most popular punk bands and most people involoved with punk were middle class teens

[@mrsuperger5429]

Punk was spoilt, entitled, middle class left wing brats. The modern equivalent are Extinction Rebellion. They'll calm down in a few years when the big paid job in the City is offered via one of Mummy or Daddy's rich friends.

[@jellokween1680]

Yes i love her, but to be so trite about punk is comfortable from a place of wealth i suppose.but for us working class folk it meant alot more than jumping about .

[@williamlawrence6194]

I always thought Punk was kind of conservative.

[@char4590]

exactly and they were all very political and activists and they actually helped the world by demonstrating

[@queenrhema]

she was one of the main influences of punk in terms of clothing so she does understand it, i feel what shes's trying to say is now people are using the punk movement to base their identity and personality on it without having any real substance or any personality at, people dress in this fashion to stand but really are just going with the crowd because everybody dresses like that, so they are another victim of fashion and the sad thing about it is they thing they are not about of fashion

[@yeeaahhzz]

Yep, most people felt targeted and just got whoooshed

[@danieledwardbennett]

She’s a lot more insightful than I realised.

[@FrankD3an]

She was one of THE faces of punk. Vivienne designed the anarchy sign, the use of tartan and bondage in the punk era. She also dated Malcom Mclaren ( the manager of the sex pistols ) so if you think she didn't get punk, you need to think about what you are saying hahahaha

[@jeremyjames8678]

The Anarchism symbol, circled A, has been around since the 1800's. First used by the International Workers Association in Spain.

[@alexlynn5111]

doseny mean you have to agree with her. But I dont even like the Sex Pistols so

[@brettrattle3140]

She saw, created and profited. Good for her. Repeated generation after generation. Naivete - generation after generation,. The world keeps turning...LOL

[@ottoacid1800]

Alex, if you don't like the Sex Pistols, you don't like punk.

[@deafanddestructiononthepis3149]

She marketed punk, because she didn't 'get' punk

[@ElisaBenaggoune]

yes punks still not dead

[@markfrance6393]

It just SMELLS funny!

[@skyunderliner]

I can't say I'm too familiar with this lady and so I dont think I was even ready for her clear and real points. I think a lot of people look back on the idea of punk as a perspective and use the term quite loosely. To me and the people I know: true hippies are punks. Authenticity is punk in a world that forces us to be otherwise. Maybe we shouldnt use the term as an ideology but I feel that's what a lot of my younger generation do and it is still an inspiration to us. Maybe even a dilutions one

[@ceejaydoyle]

ever so slightly sweeping, generalised statements here vivienne, "the whole twentieth century was a mistake...not an idea happened in the twentieth century"

[@louise-yo7kz]

She's a little off. That's what I love about her

[@johnhareiel5118]

Yet she made bank off of it

[@mbrady2329]

I suppose she's saying that the twentieth century notion of 'progress' was a form of cultural conceit, although she seems to have blind spots when it comes to advances in science and improvements in ordinary people's living conditions.

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

I was born in 73 so bought punk records as a kid not knowing they were. Also I lived in a post punk world where I believed I could do what I wanted even though I am working class.

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

@Pontiac Soviro thanks for your reply and agreeing. I generally comment late at night so tired and often intoxicated.

[@jamesemmett1]

It's nice that some people regard intelligence and intellect as status. Nowadays it's about how big your house is, or how expensive your car is. Status isn't about that at all. Superficiality and consumption is a load if crap. Thinking about life and the world you live in gives you something to build on, somewhere to go. Without an aim in life you can't get anywhere.

[@CandideSchmyles]

Need to hold it that this is a short monologue. Definitive truth is impossibly complex. A Taoist idea is to call things greater and lesser truths. That idea certainly aids forming a balanced narrative around the object. I think Vivienne spoke greater truth but in a highly contextualised reference. Punk can and has been employed as designed to be a label. As a bona fide 70's punk however I can state that the politics were more attractive than the fashion.

[@philshine3388]

Hilarious! I don’t really think she’s the person to ask about punk. She just happened to supply the clothes that made the pistols look fantastic. She was a bystander. Punk needed to happen and the creative opportunities it created can still be felt today.

[@wickis]

bro you have no clue... just clothes... it all ties together bud. the music, art, fashion. she knows damn well what shes talking about

[@howareyou857]

Then I suggest you read the biographies of the lady herself and Jordan Mooney.

[@ianshaw2321]

Kids walking around with catcher in the rye under their arm didnt do John Lennon any favours.

[@JRStephens5005]

"One truth is no more true than another".......Mmmm, not sure I agree. Genuine truth transcends time and social mores and schools of thought. It is immutable. That is the comfort of truth - that it gives society stability in ages of upheaval. And we humans need that stability to survive.

[@denisesheehan9189]

Well said. Different viewpoints are presented in Art over time, but Truth is what stayed despite time.

[@Beeoog]

As far as context goes (which should always be taken into consideration), pretty sure she’s talking about personal and artistic truth.

[@Unclerussleslovechil]

@queen odetunde at the end of the day she wasnt complaining about punks when she was cashing in lol

[@johnhareiel5118]

Yup

[@thehoneyeffect]

She created it

[@d1969writer]

The 2nd half of this, where she talks about art truthfully representing certain moments, I liked.... but the 1st half, where she talks about punk and makes huge pronouncements about the 20th Cent, is as full of crap as her new boutique on Melrose Ave in L.A. She is her own best example of someone who gives opinions off the top of her head w/o thinking it through. Yes, the era was full of tragedy, but it also produced geniuses like Allen Ginsberg, Patti Smith, and Lanford Wilson, to name a few!

[@punkscience]

No ideas came out of the twentieth century? Hmm...relativity? quantum theory? The latter is the reason why you are watching her words on a PC or tablet etc right now.

[@cesaralmeida3292]

it's all about fashion...

[@Titanicdork133]

Has she got dementia? Buy less stuff? Stop doing yearly fashion shows.. do one a decade. Punks have no credibility? She basically became famous because of punk.

[@redlady935]

She talks nonsense but is kind of interesting for someone talking nonsense. I think she is showing signs of dementia

[@lydiarowe491]

Lessons for those who listen to what Vivienne has to say can bring change to their existing...reason beyond...💜

[@caseywilliams4157]

I love her but why on earth would she advise people to not go to the Tate? Isn't she all about museums and learning? Hasn't she based several pieces in her wonderful collections on things she's seen in museums?

[@vargaso]

Because most of modern art is rubbish.

[@char4590]

The punk movement was never just about fashion or being a rebel. it was mainly because of the music, which always had very political lyrics. the punks were incredibly political and so much was about protesting and being against right-wing things and fighting for freedom and being a leftist. the punks of course liked to be rebels and wear edgy clothing but it wasn't just that. they helped the world become better in so many ways. that is undeniable and shouldn't be downplayed. at least true punks did.

[@clifftonl-vuitton2770]

the specifically makes her the first poser

[@WilburD-x7i]

This is her view on punk as one of the the leading architects of punk fashion and someone who was in the heart of the UK punk music scene. I think she knows what she's talking about.

[@goldenbeetle8636]

shes kinda just rambling

[@andtheywillknowusbyourname5511]

I like punk rock music but I don't dress like it and I don't conform to it I'm just a 13 year old boy who goes to school...

[@sharktooth368]

Mainly like what she said about a book being a status. No one from this generation would every do that, we walk around staring at our phones. Maybe one kid will have the guts to to that one day...

[@Unclerussleslovechil]

Some wise words but also some bollocks, it's easy for you to sit there on your thrown "telling it how it is" but something tells me you really don't get the punk movement and what it means and ment to people! I miss real punk :-(

[@joshsmith7812]

Unclerussleslovechil Oh she knows punk.

[@dimitrakourtali]

I love Vivienne so much!💜💜💜💜

[@strawberryjpeg6000]

This is such a good interview

[@picses35]

Dont totally agree with her, definatley not about punk. But her personal thoughts are hers and we can disagree ir even agree with some or none. But calling her an old bag is just being spitefull. Age truly has much to offer.. Posted by an older bag..

[@paularmstrong2306]

She always told me and my mate to get out of Seditionaries because we didn't "look right". We were never sure if she meant "clothes wise" or "right in the head". We left anyway - she was like a scary Headmistress who tried to dress trendy. Very authoritarian.

[@imdead1922]

Punk is complaining about things hardcore punk is doing something about it

[@jaymusseato]

Punk REALLY has NOTHING to do with THIS chick...Vivienne's cool but she's just a USURPER...INDIVIDUAL KIDS on the street DETERMINED what "PUNK" was going to LOOK like...(which was mostly a mixture of fashion appropriated from the PAST...like Flappers, Dandies, Tramps, Rockers, Mods, Skinheads, etc)...She successfully EXPLOITED other's ideas to ADVANCE herself...and in terms of "MOVEMENTS", how about having a good ol' fashion BOWEL movement all over ALL OPPORTUNISTS...FASHION is FALLACIOUS.

[@kellylai2908]

But she actually does something to try to make changes. Punk is about making changes too right?

[@anatureperson5551]

I want her hat. Where can I buy it?

[@andrealuisecandido1154]

am no Rebel am a woman and am a woman dressmaker bcse of ThaT i weared ThaT Style few years noThing Else.

[@MikeBriggs-ds8eb]

rest in peace Vivien

[@garetcrossman6626]

Why throw a ridiculous cliché at her?

[@lxworld]

Whilst I agree with her in earnest, I consider some of the best pop music to have been made in the late 20th century. Pet Shop Boys, for example. I consider that to be art as much as a Michelangelo. The way it differs is in the way we consume it.

[@thehoneyeffect]

Massive Attack

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@thehoneyeffect Los Del Rios.

[@drnuke7393]

stick to making fashion clothes Vivienne ... your historical and political views are too silly for comment.

[@musicsavage]

"We are rebels, break everything from the past: it has no credibility." says the woman wearing a Chaos beanie.

[@anonymous-kn1rl]

alright tough guy

[@tomhorrid]

'don't buy clothes' says millionaire fashion designer

[@michelleayliffe3310]

What is she on?

[@gunkwretch102]

what broad sweeping comments, she has just judged all people and all things within the 20th century in less then three minutes, by her own admission then i guess even she didnt do anything in it either. She also somehow knows all the motivations and minds of all people interested in a punk lifestyle, yup thats what it was for everyone.. clothes!

[@notaclue822]

She's beautiful.

[@yourfashionarchive427]

She’s so cool

[@gogoyubari366]

She sounds like Sharon Osbourne.

[@diablazjamz]

If you thought the 20th century was bad, how do you feel about the 21st?

[@williamrobinson4265]

I dont think she knows what a crust punk is

[@Khultan]

Uh oh, she's trippin'.

[@cl759]

looks more like edited bit of random thoughts specially designed to make somebody look stupid or her incoherent.

[@maryloch4385]

Catcher in the Rye?... I think it's meant to symbolize having a friend

[@Radioactive1080z]

I wish she were my grandma

[@finnmanproductions9240]

She’s not wrong there.

[@biomusicology1441]

This is so affecting

[@dkizxpt-su3ze]

Who is this strange woman? She knows absolutely nothing about punk whatsoever

[@yseoliveira]

+John Smith She's a fashion designer, the band Sex Pistols started because of her and her store "Sex". She basically started the punk movement in UK.

[@dkizxpt-su3ze]

How can a fashion designer start a band? Which instrument did she play? Keyboards?

[@yseoliveira]

+John Smith Her husband did. Her store was a point in London, where the young guys used to go, and people said her store was so awesome that deserved a band. Then her husband called some friends and started the Sex Pistols. He was the manager of the band. That's what I've learned.

[@dkizxpt-su3ze]

Yse Oliveira I am impressed that you take the time to learn these things. You are going to become very knowledgable if you keep this up

[@yseoliveira]

John Smith Thanks, I guess! I've learned in college, when we had to do papers about fashion icons, I did about her.

[@alexandrinacalderoni3627]

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha...i think she forget something? ..oooh yes!... forget talk about the money...she get old..and monkeybussines.

[@pablojavieralfaro8999]

. I truly love her. However, the 20th century had plenty of great thinkers: Freud, Sartre, Beauvoir, Foucault, Sontag.

[@Chrisloyrd]

oh my god she's smart

[@contradictator7482]

Buy less She says as her brand is mass produced...

[@hallson2917]

R.I.P V.W!

[@nameandsurname33]

I love her

[@E.C.2]

Punk Rock was a pop culture moment and time,society moved on. Looking back,it symbolized the implosion of Western Civilization. 2023 is the lowest recorded birthrate in history.

[@sandra-jones]

I shouldn't have watched this...

[@5aeeda]

Malcolm was the grandson of a super-rich blood diamond dealer. He knew how to make money; get 20 year old high testosterone boys to act rebellious, wear weird clothes, make noise and develop a following ensuring younger children will buy daft clothes and records. For Vivienne and Malcolm it was about making money and gaining a status. Those who worshipped their clothes and puppet band, should have worshipped God instead. Tell your children, don't let rich biches make fools of you. Don't buy clothes which make you look like idiots. They laugh at your stupidity while going to the bank.

[@5aeeda]

+5aeeda Gandi was the real rebel; collecting his God-given free salt from the sea, wearing fabric made by the local weaver, he cut out the satanic british empire. That is the true rebellion, when you do not pay any taxes to anyone except charity, in God's way. The Satanist Malcolm confused the young boys, suggesting they were doing antichrists work going against the queen. The queen is a representation of antichrist. God frees you from her chains.

[@dankmeme7109]

+5aeeda piss off! U need to get a brain that works or just search up all the reasons ur imaginary friend in the sky,

[@Neen88]

I was kinda with you at the start, even though I like punk as a style genre you had a point about it Malcolm knowing how to make money etc. HOWEVER you totally slashed it by bringing god into it, I don't mean to insult you but you can't seriously use that. Also you lost me when you said 'clothes which make you look like idiots' ...how people look in clothes is completely subjective so again you can't really use that as a solid point. You can't be militant with religious beliefs nor taste in fashion

[@VladiFx]

oh, of cource... it was a marketing... in eastern eurpe punk musicians gone to jail becouse of the lyrics...

[@owo4424]

its not just “fashion”

[@Thelagginglegend1]

Idk something feels off…. Feels fishy.

[@urakunt866]

Champagne socialist

[@jemima216]

Lotta Krap no she's a champagne capitalist. Full stop.

[@punkartpunkart]

I do not really agree with her, but its true that punk was juste a fashion stuff for her and the shitty SexPistols-Look!!! But I totally agree that "art ans self-education" is the only way we have to go...

[@mothgirlx6707]

Sounds great, but isn’t she contradicting herself? Where does her fashion business then fit into these ideas

[@billymink]

To be honest with you you I don't think you've ever read a book in your life and ask for cutting patterns for trousers and T-shirts you couldn't and everything used to buy from seditionaries would fall to pieces in a few weeks even though is it cost a fortune in 1976

[@TERRANOVAofficial]

aaaah please stop talking- you are destroying one of the biggest moments in fashion (sex/seditionaries/first 4 ys worlds end) - to not be confident/intelligent/honest enough to give some credit to malcolms driving energy behind this and jRottens genius aura in the recent autobiography is so shady- and those twisted re issues--- i used to live for these clothes and worship them- until this idiot austrian entered the scene... oh well enough hate- thank you for some of the most magic clothes ever made- and shoes too ! nowadays Agent Provocateur has a lot more original spirit than confused sqiggle re issues-

[@FernandoBarreto2612]

não basta saber só um pouco de história de arte, é preciso vivê-la para ser incorporada/assimilada . arte não é para todos ( do ponto de vista da criação ) , é algo que usufrui dos benefícios da liberdade mas que depois os projecta em direcção a um desconhecido fantasma e espera depois que isso sobreviva aos demónios do criador . insulto não altera a realidade pouco se caminhou de diferente no século XX porque afinal os insultos vêem até de séculos anteriores, apesar de freud, reich, jung,

[@williamrobinson4265]

what?? was she ever part of a real struggling community? I feel like this person missed the point their whole life

[@kmoralification]

damn straight!

[@freddieq.2183]

Clever

[@krisscanlon4051]

Rest in peace...saying it like it is...the swindle continued...I think ya both were artistic mindfrickers who like their money

[@depressedlife2721]

😍

[@hobbygamer6220]

Punk is great fkn music wayta ??? 😳

[@hobbygamer6220]

not always ffs

[@AngryHateMusic]

She looks a bit punk to me. Is that Eminem's hat?

[@anthonym8205]

Her punk look is well crafted.

[@kikeheebchinkjigaboo6631]

Cultural Marxists

[@The-queen-is-dead-england]

If it wasn't for consumerism she would have been where she was today we would probably never have heard of her just another punk from the late 70s