Viva La Vivienne!

After a long hiatus, Vivienne Westwood is making her glorious return to American shores, opening a boutique in the heart of Los Angeles (8320 Melrose Avenue). I guess Helena Bonham Carter and her mismatched shoes at the Golden Globes were early brand ambassadors.

The arrival comes nearly ten years after the closing of the iconic New York boutique, during which time Westwood faithful in the States were forced to scour eBay. But that’s all about to change with the new shopping mecca, modeled after Westwood’s palatial London flagship, which mixes the dame’s penchant for baroque-punk and expertly tailored , with a little swashbuckling throw in.

In the sprawling space, eager Angelenos will discover a full selection of the Westwood arsenal, including Red and Gold labels, menswear, accessories, and the ever-popular Anglomania line. Such rich coffers should put to rest the assumption that Westwood is all about mismatched shoes and deconstructed ball gowns. And this is only the beginning of her Stateside reign. Expansion plans include New York, San Francisco, and Miami. Who needs sovereignty when you have nine-inch platform heels, panniers and manifestos?

Posted by: TAWD on February 13, 2011