Vivienne Westwood Fall Winter 2024-25 Fashion Show

Andreas Kronthaler brought a sense of fun and irreverence back to Vivienne Westwood's Fall 2024 collection, drawing inspiration from late Renaissance costume and traditional folk dance.

The runway show featured an enchanting performance by SunBengSitting x Sons of Sissy, a Vienna-based folk dance trio, who infused the atmosphere with spinning, whipping, singing, and yodeling, accompanied by wood chopping and playful butt slapping.

Against this lively backdrop, models strutted out in ensembles that paid homage to the Renaissance era, with codpiece-inspired strap-ons worn outside trousers and pronounced breastplate details adding a touch of theatricality.

Kronthaler explained that his inspiration stemmed from a Giovanni Battista Moroni exhibition in Milan, as well as sports protection gear, with a particular focus on reviving the codpiece—a Renaissance fashion staple that was both controversial and captivating.

Referencing Janet Arnold's "Patterns of Fashion," Kronthaler meticulously crafted historical-inspired pieces that reimagined Renaissance elegance for the modern era. The use of black, especially prominent in the evening wear section, echoed the trend of the 1600s, symbolizing both convenience and timeless sophistication.