Vivienne Westwood‘s Legacy in Question Amid Controversial Riyadh Fashion Week Participation

The fashion world is abuzz with controversy as the Vivienne Westwood brand prepares to headline Riyadh Fashion Week, a decision that has sparked significant backlash due to Saudi Arabia’s notorious human rights record. Cora Corré, the granddaughter of the late fashion icon Vivienne Westwood, has publicly expressed her disapproval, stating that the brand’s current direction does not reflect the values or wishes of her grandmother.

A Clash of Values

Cora Corré, who co-founded the Vivienne Foundation, emphasized the stark contrast between the brand’s actions and her grandmother’s legacy. In a recent statement, she revealed that she was unaware of the brand’s participation in Riyadh Fashion Week until a friend alerted her. “What I do feel confident in saying is that she would feel as if the company does not align with her values or wishes,” Corré remarked. This sentiment underscores a growing concern among fans and advocates who believe that the brand’s decision undermines Westwood’s commitment to activism and social justice.

The Vivienne Foundation, established by Westwood before her passing in 2022, is set to launch a new line of T-shirts this week. Proceeds from these shirts will support LGBTQ+ charities, highlighting a commitment to social issues that starkly contrasts with the oppressive environment faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex relations are illegal and punishable by severe penalties.

Fashion as a Platform for Dialogue

Despite the backlash, the Vivienne Westwood brand has defended its decision to participate in the Riyadh event. The company stated that its presence is intended to foster dialogue and cultural exchange, rather than endorse the Saudi regime. “Our decision to show in Riyadh is not an endorsement of any government or its policies,” the brand asserted in a statement to The Guardian. “Rather, we see fashion as a platform for cultural exchange – as a way to encourage dialogue, build understanding, and create space for diverse voices to be seen and heard.”

This rationale echoes a broader trend in the fashion industry, where brands often seek to engage with diverse cultures while navigating the complexities of ethical considerations. However, critics argue that such participation can inadvertently lend legitimacy to regimes with poor human rights records.

The Human Rights Context

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has been vocal about Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations, describing the country’s record as “abysmal.” The organization warns that the Saudi government uses its wealth to obscure its actions, investing heavily in sports and cultural events to improve its global image. Joey Shea, a researcher for HRW, stated, “Saudi investments in high-profile sports and entertainment events domestically and internationally are used to whitewash the country’s abysmal human rights record.”

Amnesty International has also called on public figures to raise awareness about the plight of LGBTQ+ individuals in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for greater visibility and advocacy. The juxtaposition of a fashion show in Riyadh with the launch of T-shirts supporting LGBTQ+ rights raises questions about the effectiveness of such initiatives in a country where dissent is harshly repressed.

The Legacy of Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood was not only a fashion designer but also a passionate activist. In her later years, she focused on various social issues, including environmental activism and the fight for press freedom, exemplified by her support for Julian Assange. Corré noted that her grandmother recognized the privilege of her platform and used it to advocate for change. “She very much recognized her platform as a fashion designer, and the privilege to be able to utilize that platform,” Corré said.

Westwood’s legacy is intricately tied to her commitment to activism, making the brand’s current direction all the more perplexing for those who admired her work. The designer legally assigned the copyrights of her creations prior to 1992 to the Vivienne Foundation, ensuring that her iconic designs, including punk-era graphics, would continue to support causes she believed in.

The Broader Implications for the Fashion Industry

The decision by the Vivienne Westwood brand to participate in Riyadh Fashion Week raises broader questions about the responsibilities of fashion brands in today’s global landscape. As the industry grapples with issues of sustainability, ethics, and social justice, the challenge lies in balancing commercial interests with a commitment to human rights.

The participation of high-profile brands in events hosted by countries with questionable human rights records can be seen as a double-edged sword. While it may provide a platform for dialogue, it can also be interpreted as complicity in the very systems of oppression that activists seek to dismantle.

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, the need for transparency and accountability becomes increasingly critical. Brands must navigate the fine line between cultural engagement and ethical responsibility, ensuring that their actions align with the values they profess to uphold.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Vivienne Westwood’s brand participation in Riyadh Fashion Week serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the fashion industry. As Cora Corré articulates her concerns about the brand’s alignment with her grandmother’s values, the broader implications for human rights and social justice come into sharp focus. The fashion world must grapple with its role in promoting dialogue while remaining vigilant against the potential for complicity in oppressive regimes. As the industry moves forward, the legacy of Vivienne Westwood will undoubtedly continue to inspire discussions about the intersection of fashion, activism, and ethics.