Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood Spring-Summer 2025: A Celebration of Life
October 9, 2024
In a poignant homage to the late Dame Vivienne Westwood's famous words "Get A Life!", Andreas Kronthaler's Spring-Summer 2025 collection for Vivienne Westwood put on quite the show. Presented in Paris, this collection is a testament to Kronthaler's ability to honor and expand upon the brand's legacy while charting a new course focused on ultra-feminine and flamboyantly elegant womenswear.
A striking ensemble that embodies Kronthaler's new direction: a diaphanous, one-shoulder blue and cream floral dress with intricate lace detailing floats down the runway, its asymmetrical hemline and flowing silhouette capturing the essence of effortless summer dressing. This piece sets the tone for a line that prioritizes necklines and what Kronthaler describes as a focus on sensuality.
Kronthaler's exploration of femininity continues with a bold juxtaposition of soft pink and vibrant fuchsia. A fitted, pale pink top with unique ruching details is paired with a voluminous, striking hot pink skirt featuring a subtle pattern. The look is accessorized with avant-garde eyewear and statement headphones – a playful twist on traditional elegance that nods to the brand's rebellious spirit.
The collection's sensuality is further emphasized in a show-stopping red gown. This piece exemplifies Kronthaler's focus on necklines, with its plunging V-neck and sheer, flowing fabric that reveals glimpses of skin. The dramatic sleeves and high slit add to the gown's allure, creating a look that is both bold and sophisticated.
In a nod to the brand's versatility, the collection also offers more relaxed, daywear options. A striped ensemble featuring a loose-fitting top and drawstring pants in muted tones of beige and gray showcases the collection's range. This look, paired with patterned boots, demonstrates Kronthaler's ability to blend comfort with high fashion.
The collection's palette is predominantly muted, with just flashes of red and pink punctuating the neutral tones. This restraint in color is compensated by the richness of textures and the intricacy of the designs. Kronthaler's commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion is evident not just in the clothes but in the show's overall ethos.
Vivienne Westwood has long been associated with activism, and this season, the brand spotlights the plight of Captain Paul Watson, a renowned marine wildlife conservationist and environmental activist. Watson, currently under arrest and facing possible extradition for his anti-whaling campaigns in the Antarctic, coined the powerful phrase: 'If the oceans die, we die!' The brand encourages support for Watson's cause, directing attention to a petition at www.paulwatsonfoundation.org/freepaulwatson/. This alignment of fashion with global environmental concerns adds depth to the collection, reminding us that style can be a vehicle for meaningful discourse and action.
The styling by Sabina Schreder perfectly complements the collection, emphasizing its blend of sophistication and rebellion. Tousled, asymmetrical hairstyles created by Sam McKnight add to the edgy aesthetic, while bold, red-tinted eyewear by Mondottica completes the avant-garde looks.
In summary, Andreas Kronthaler's Spring-Summer 2025 collection for Vivienne Westwood is a masterful blend of the brand's rebellious DNA and a refined, feminine aesthetic. It's a collection that speaks to the modern woman—one who is conscious, elegant, and unafraid to make a statement. As Kronthaler notes, "Fashion is about beauty and joy; it links us to each other." With this collection, he offers just that: clothes that celebrate life in all its beautiful complexity, honoring Westwood's legacy while moving confidently into the future.
