Dress
The Witches collection by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren for fall/winter 1983–84, marks their last collaboration for their label World's End before Westwood started her eponymous fashion label. This iconic and transitional collection testifies of Westwood's love of historical pastiche as well as her active stance towards current sociopolitical issues. The collection was inspired by American artist Keith Haring's drawings, which inspired the name of the collection because of their esoteric, cult-like qualities. However, this woolen dress with houndstooth motif plays with tropes of British heritage such as tweed and witchcraft. The skirt has a draped inset at the front, giving the silhouette an asymmetrical volume, combined with batwing sleeves tucked in at the elbow: Westwood's expression in cloth of the fluttering of the creatures of the night.
Artwork Details
- Title: Dress
- Designer: Vivienne Westwood (British, 1941–2022)
- Designer: Malcolm McLaren (British, London 1946–2010 Switzerland)
- Date: fall/winter 1983–84
- Culture: British
- Medium: wool, ceramic
- Credit Line: Purchase, Gould Family Foundation Gift, in memory of Jo Copeland, 2018
- Object Number: 2018.454
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
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Multiple artists/makers
1978
Multiple artists/makers
1976
Vivienne Westwood
Malcolm McLaren
1981
Vivienne Westwood
Malcolm McLaren
1982
Multiple artists/makers
1977
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