Confessions of a Fashion Writer: Vivienne Westwood Men's F/W 2009

Vivienne Westwood gives a little excitement with gardening in Milan. Leave it up to legendary English designer Vivienne Westwood to spark some pleasure into fashion. Drowned from a sea of completely black clothes shown in Milan, she presented a colorful upbeat collection. This time around she led us down the path of the enchanting world of gardening. With that clever idea in mind, she was completely inspired by her very own personal gardener. Westwood transformed ordinary garden attire and recreated it into playful and fun pieces. There was exciting colorful knit pieces and kilts that gave it some flamboyance. With a garden theme collection, there has to be something floral, she gave us subversive floral adorned prints. Always an innovator she integrated the laser cutting technique and created chic leggings and tank tops. Westwood’s idea of wearing clothes to make you look and feel good is perceptible with this gardening collection.

The show started off with great anticipation and a modeling debut of Westwood’s very own personal gardener, Andy, who came all the way from England. Andy opened the show what is believed to be the same attire he would be sporting in Westwood’s garden. He wore a masculine black leather work jacket, a quilted plaid oversized vest, khaki colored work pants paired with work gloves and boots. After a look at Westwood’s muse for the collection the show evolved into pieces that were more playful. Great pieces such as fitted jackets were paired with plaid shirts. A sheep skin bomber jacket and a green padded blazer were distinctive.

The playful pieces were incredible and made a clear statement, with beyond doubt exciting. The admired pieces were the outstanding well cut suits, done up Westwood style with a hint of quirkiness, perfect for work. The flower print combat boots were remarkable and would spruce up any look giving it eccentricity.

Vivienne Westwood has certainly infused some garden fresh air into Milan. Who knew all it would take to create a successful collection was to get inspired by the gardener. The Westwood man is all about having fun and getting a little dirty in the wonderful world of gardening. –Brent Billiman, Milan, Italy.

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