Vivienne Westwood by Terry Jones

As you know, Jen reviews a selection of books for each issue of My Creative Diva magazine, and this month I’ve decided to share her review of Vivienne Westwood by Terry Jones. Aside from the fact the book looks amazing, it was her 72nd birthday on the 8th of April. So happy belated birthday Vivienne and for all her fans – this is a book well worth checking out! ­– Sarah x

It’s no secret that I love Vivienne Westwood, so it stands to reason that I love this beautiful, indulgent, giant of a book. To call it a ‘coffee table book’ doesn’t do it justice; the production values are superb, and the size means that a double page spread is over 1/2 metre across.

Introduced by i-D founder Terry Jones, it incorporates extracts of interviews from various issues of i-D across the decades, offering insight into an intriguing character who, along with Malcolm McLaren, helped shape the landscape of punk, out of their tiny King’s Road boutique.

Bold, political and controversial, Westwood was, and still is, a force to be reckoned with, and at 72 years old, her designs still hold the same appeal for younger generations that they did when she first burst onto the scene in the 1970s. The stunning photos in this book span her career, taking a peek at catwalks, backstage scenes, magazine spreads, and of course, the grand dame herself.

Very few movements have created waves like punk did, and very few designers have made an impact like Vivienne Westwood. This is a beautiful tribute to one of the world’s best-loved fashion designers and would make a fantastic gift for any fan. To conclude in the words of Terry Jones, “Her undying passion, originality, and dogged perseverance proves that a true punk spirit never dies.”

Vivienne Westwood by Terry Jones, £24.99

Published by Taschen

ISBN 978-3-8365-3887-9