From 29 May to 21 September 2008, Museums Sheffield will host to the only UK showing outside London of the international tour of the work of Vivienne Westwood, one of the most influential fashion designers of the last 30 years. This major exhibition is brought to Sheffield in partnership with the V&A and will feature more than 150 designs selected from the V&A's collection and Vivienne Westwood's personal archive.
Westwood has been a major influence on fashion design from haute couture to ready-to-wear. Her career has spanned the punk era, including outfits worn by the Sex Pistols in the 70s which she designed with Malcolm McLaren, to grand ball-gowns influenced by historical art and dress.
Westwood was awarded British Designer of the Year in 1990 and in 1992 she received an OBE for her outstanding contribution to fashion. In 1998 she was given the Queen's award for Export and in 2003 she was named Export Designer of the Year.
The show will examine Westwood's career from the 1970s to the present day and will explore her unique and inspiring incorporation of historical references from fashion and culture in her work.
The exhibition will look at Westwood's often subversive adaptation of British traditions and gentle parodies of royalty and will include sections devoted to tailoring, tartan and accessories. The famous blue mock-croc platform shoes Naomi Campbell wore when she fell on the catwalk in 1993 will also be on display.
Summer Lates at Museums Sheffield: Millennium Gallery
Open Late until 9.00pm every Wednesday, 29 May - 21 Sept 2008
Summer Lates sponsored by Creative Sheffield
See www.museums-sheffield.org.uk/viv for more info.