Vivienne Westwood’s granddaughter has spoken out against the brand’s participation in Riyadh Fashion Week, as the fashion house defends its decision to show in Saudi Arabia, citing its commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding.
In a stark contrast to the controversial decision of the Vivienne Westwood fashion house, Cora Corré, the granddaughter of the late designer and co-founder of the Vivienne Foundation, criticized the brand’s choice to headline Riyadh Fashion Week this week, pointing out that the company’s actions “do not align with the values or wishes” of Vivienne Westwood herself. Westwood, who passed away in 2022, was known not only for her groundbreaking contributions to fashion but also for her activism, including her work for the environment, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice.
The controversy surrounding the brand’s decision comes as Vivienne Westwood’s legacy charity, the Vivienne Foundation, prepares to launch a new line of T-shirts this week. The proceeds from these T-shirts will benefit various causes, including those supporting LGBTQ+ rights and the climate crisis. The charity’s T-shirt range, priced at £150 each, is part of a broader effort to support marginalized communities and raise awareness for global issues. This launch, however, has coincided with the announcement of the Vivienne Westwood brand’s participation in the Riyadh Fashion Week in Saudi Arabia—a country with a record of severe human rights abuses, including restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights.
The Brand’s Statement on Showing in Saudi Arabia
In an official statement, the Vivienne Westwood fashion house defended its decision to show in Riyadh, stating that its participation was not an endorsement of the Saudi regime but rather an opportunity to engage in cultural exchange. The company explained, “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.”
The brand emphasized that its involvement in Riyadh Fashion Week was an effort to promote open dialogue, despite Saudi Arabia’s controversial human rights record. The decision to take part in such an event, alongside fellow designer Stella McCartney, has drawn sharp criticism, especially given the country’s stance on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, women’s freedoms, and its treatment of political dissent.
While the fashion house framed its involvement as a positive step towards cross-cultural dialogue, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has been vocal about its concerns. Joey Shea, HRW’s Saudi Arabia researcher, stated, “Saudi investments in high-profile sports and entertainment events domestically and internationally are used to whitewash the country’s abysmal human rights record.” She added that the Saudi government uses its vast wealth to distract from human rights abuses, such as the repression of political dissidents, the criminalization of LGBTQ+ people, and unfair legal processes. These points have fueled the backlash surrounding the participation of international designers in events like Riyadh Fashion Week.
Cora Corré’s Response: A Divergence from the Brand’s Vision
Cora Corré, who co-founded the Vivienne Foundation, has been one of the most prominent critics of the brand’s involvement in Riyadh Fashion Week. In an interview with The Guardian, she expressed her disbelief that the T-shirt launch—a campaign for LGBTQ+ rights—would coincide with the announcement of the fashion show in Saudi Arabia. She pointed out that her grandmother, Vivienne Westwood, who spent much of her later years as a passionate activist, would have disapproved of the brand’s actions.
Corré made it clear that the brand’s choices did not align with Vivienne Westwood’s legacy. Westwood was known for her outspoken activism, particularly on issues related to the environment, social justice, and human rights. She was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, something that stands in stark contrast to Saudi Arabia’s criminalization of same-sex relationships. When asked if Vivienne Westwood would have approved of the brand’s actions, Corré said: “What I do feel confident in saying and knowing is that she would feel as if the company does not align with her values or wishes.”
Despite the tension between the family’s vision and the brand’s actions, Corré remains committed to the Vivienne Foundation’s original goals, which include supporting causes like LGBTQ+ charities, climate activism, and humanitarian efforts. The T-shirt range, which features designs tied to Westwood’s iconic graphics, aims to channel the late designer’s influence toward positive change.
Vivienne Foundation: Carrying the Legacy Forward
The Vivienne Foundation, which continues to carry forward Vivienne Westwood’s legacy, has remained focused on activism. The foundation has made LGBTQ+ rights and the climate crisis central to its mission, creating platforms for social justice movements. The T-shirt range launching this week is a key part of the foundation’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for these causes.
One of the designs features Westwood’s iconic “tits” graphic, created in collaboration with Malcolm McLaren in 1975, which was a bold statement of punk rebellion. Proceeds from these T-shirts will support charities that focus on LGBTQ+ rights, homelessness, and the effects of climate change, while also providing funding for conflict-affected regions.
Corré emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Vivienne Foundation remains an entity that represents Westwood’s values, not the brand. “Vivienne very much recognised her platform as a fashion designer, and the privilege to be able to utilise that platform,” Corré said. “She used it at any given opportunity to speak out against injustice and to support marginalized communities.”
A Growing Trend of Fashion’s Engagement with Saudi Arabia
The controversy surrounding Vivienne Westwood’s brand showing at Riyadh Fashion Week is part of a wider trend in which Saudi Arabia has become an increasingly prominent host for international fashion, sports, and entertainment events. Critics argue that these cultural and sporting partnerships are often used as part of the Saudi government’s efforts to “sportswash” or “entertainment-wash” its image, distracting from the country’s poor human rights record.
The Saudi government has made efforts to diversify its economy and improve its global image through mega-events, including Formula 1 races, boxing matches, and concerts with international pop stars. Fashion shows, like the one in Riyadh, fit into this broader strategy of attracting global attention and investment. However, these partnerships have sparked growing debates about the ethical responsibility of international figures and brands in light of Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations.
What’s Next for the Vivienne Westwood Brand and the Fashion Industry?
As the debate around the fashion industry’s involvement in Saudi Arabia intensifies, Vivienne Westwood’s brand and its legacy will continue to be at the center of this conversation. The Vivienne Foundation’s commitment to activism and human rights stands in stark contrast to the brand’s participation in the Riyadh Fashion Week, and this dissonance is sparking further questions about how companies can reconcile commercial success with their ethical responsibilities.
For the fashion world at large, the challenge remains: How do brands balance cultural engagement and dialogue with their commitment to activism and human rights? As brands like Vivienne Westwood navigate these tricky waters, consumers and activists alike will continue to scrutinize their decisions, particularly when it comes to countries with controversial human rights records.
