Vivienne Westwood, the daring, exhibits for the first time in France

Do you need to present it? For nearly fifty years, Vivienne Westwood has been an iconic figure on the stylistic scene. Nicknamed « the enfant terrible of fashion, » this great English pope made a name for herself with her eccentric and colorful nonconformist creations. Who would have imagined that the young schoolteacher she was then would become the priestess of British punk? Thanks to Malcolm McLaren, manager of the group Sex Pistols. For him, she leaves husband and child. Together, they design and create clothing accessorized with safety pins and razor blades that mark the beginning of an artistic movement, but also of his career. Bringing in codes by marrying genres, styles and eras, surprising and provoking, will be its hallmarks that will continue to make it successful. The legend of the free electron that everything inspires is thus made.

Although recognized and rewarded by its community, such a course should be welcomed. This is why the Tissues Museum of Lyon and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region has decided to pay tribute to his provocative talent, just as it was done for Yves Saint Laurent. Also, nothing better to understand who was this avangardist designer, than to organize an unprecedented exhibition in France, made possible at the Musée des Tissus in Lyon (Lyon 2nd), thanks to the invaluable assistance of Lee Price, former collaborator of Dame Vivienne Westwood and guardian of his work. Based in Lyon, he made available more than two hundred pieces (textiles, costumes, accessories, shoes, works of art, paintings, drawings, etc.) from his rich collection built up over the years.

The eco-responsible scenography signed by the Lyon agency S-Cédille, presents the artistic progression of the autodidact in a course in five acts retracing his beginnings, his influences, his imagination, his cutting work, to the parades on the catwalks, cleverly used as communication tools as vectors of its struggles in favor of human rights and ecological issues. A four-month exhibition for a very respectful immersion in the varied universe of the genius designer who has always drawn her inspiration from French costumes, painting and decorative arts of the 18th and 19th centuries. A journey sewn in white thread embellished with video and musical excerpts.

Vivienne Westwood, art, fashion and subversion – the Lee Price collection at the Musée des Tissus in Lyon from September 10, 2020 to January 17, 2021 – Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Information, prices and reservations on 04 78 38 42 00 or sure  www.museedestissus.fr

EUROPEAN HERITAGE DAYS: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September – Guided tours every hour from 10:30 a.m.

NIGHT OF MUSEUMS: Saturday November 14, 2020

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Daphne VICTOR

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