Vivienne Westwood Debuts L.A. Boutique

The only Vivienne Westwood flagship boutique in the United States debuted February in Los Angeles. On March 30, the brand’s namesake and iconic English designer Vivienne Westwood visited the shop at 8320 W. Melrose Ave. to host a gala debut party.

Champagne and British dishes such as shepherd’s pie were served at the soiree, while A-listers and fashion punks rubbed elbows and took in a rare visit from Westwood. The designer helped launch the punk look of the 1970s. Her designs later blossomed into looks and styles that were embraced by aficionados of the avant-garde and the high-fashion world.

Westwood said she picked Los Angeles as the address for her American shop because this town influences the world. “They have red-carpet events,” Westwood said of Los Angeles’ long, annual awards-show season. “It’s what we do. We have once-in-a-lifetime dresses.”

For more details on the party and looks at the one-of-a-kind fashion at the Vivienne Westwood debut party, visit California Apparel News’ “Trade Talk” blog. —Andrew Asch