Vivienne Westwood jewellery retrospective opens in Bangkok
Bangkok will stage one of 2026’s most significant fashion exhibitions with the opening of Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery, running from September 11 to October 23 at Central Chidlom. Curated by the late designer’s creative team, this is the first time her jewellery collections—spanning over four decades—have been assembled in Thailand. The event follows a successful presentation in China and serves both as a retrospective of Westwood’s rebellious legacy and as a showcase of how jewellery became central to her avant-garde vision.
The exhibition is organized into eight themed zones, each guiding visitors through key moments in Westwood’s career. The first zone captures the raw energy of the 1970s punk movement, where safety pins and repurposed materials defied fashion conventions. Later sections shift to ornate historical references, tracing how accessories transitioned from subversion to high art. A key highlight is the “Orb” gallery, dedicated to the brand’s iconic 1985 emblem—a fusion of the British royal orb and Saturn’s rings—which symbolizes the blend of tradition and futurism defining Westwood’s aesthetic.
Unlike standard jewellery shows, this exhibition frames accessories as a form of self-expression. Andreas Kronthaler, Westwood’s longtime collaborator and creative director, clarified that her designs were never purely decorative. “Her jewellery transformed the body, conveyed personality, and carried deep meaning,” he stated. The display includes rare archival pieces alongside runway innovations, demonstrating how materials like bone, metal scraps, and unconventional textures became her signature.
Immersive Design and Sustainability at Core
The show features an interactive design with multimedia installations, catwalk footage, and historical garments alongside the jewellery. Produced by Nomad Exhibitions, the immersive experience also emphasizes sustainability by reusing and recycling materials, aligning with Westwood’s lifelong commitment to environmental responsibility. This approach mirrors the brand’s global philosophy, where activism and craftsmanship were inseparable.
Bangkok’s selection as the host city shows its growing role as a cultural events hub. Early bird tickets, priced at 160 baht (available August 10, 25 via Ticketmelon), drop to 200 baht for general admission. Organizers anticipate strong attendance from local fashion fans and international collectors. A dedicated exhibition shop will sell limited-edition jewellery and commemorative items, further extending the event’s appeal.
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Westwood’s influence in Thailand may also benefit from the brand’s existing presence, with four boutiques operating in Central Embassy, CentralWorld, Ladprao, and Phuket. These locations have already built a devoted following, ensuring the exhibition arrives with established interest. The show’s mix of historical depth and modern relevance suggests it will attract not only fashion enthusiasts but also art lovers and cultural historians.
The exhibition’s structure mirrors Westwood’s career progression, from punk rebellion to high-end luxury. Early sections emphasize her collaboration with Kronthaler, which began in 1989 and merged European artistry with contemporary social commentary. Later zones explore her later work, where jewellery became a link between historical craftsmanship and bold innovation. The Orb, for example, now stands as one of fashion’s most recognizable symbols, embodying her ability to reinterpret tradition without abandoning it.
Bangkok’s Rising Role in Fashion Events
The Bangkok presentation is the first in Thailand, though the tour will continue in Europe and the U.S. in 2027. Its success here could also establish Central Chidlom as a premier venue for future high-profile fashion events, reinforcing Bangkok’s reputation as a destination for both commerce and creativity.
The exhibition’s immersive elements go beyond visual displays, incorporating tactile and auditory experiences. Reconstructed runway presentations include original soundtracks from her 1970s and 1980s London shows, recreating the atmosphere of her early debuts. Archival footage, featuring rare interviews and backstage moments, will be screened in dedicated viewing areas, offering direct insight into her creative process. These components reveal how her jewellery was never static but performative, tied to movement, music, and the rebellious spirit of her era.
One innovative section explores the brand’s environmental activism through jewellery, a focus that grew in prominence during Westwood’s later years. Pieces from the 1990s and 2000s, including her “Climate Revolution” collection, will be displayed alongside documentation of her protests and collaborations with environmental groups. Visitors can see how recycled metals, organic dyes, and biodegradable fabrics were integrated into her designs, reflecting her stance that fashion should never harm the planet. The exhibition also highlights lesser-known partnerships, such as collaborations with Thai artisans, where her later collections drew inspiration from Southeast Asian textiles and techniques.
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Organizing the exhibition presented unique challenges, particularly in preserving and transporting delicate archival pieces. Some 1970s jewellery, crafted from unconventional materials like bones, leather, and industrial scraps, required specialized climate-controlled packaging to prevent damage during transit from Europe. Conservation experts worked with Westwood’s estate to stabilize even the most fragile items, including early punk-era pieces with sharp metal edges or rusted components. Several of these had never been exhibited in Asia before, making this showcase a rare opportunity to view them in person.
Unseen Archives Reveal Westwood’s Vision
Curators uncovered previously unseen sketches and technical drawings from Westwood’s private archives during preparation. These documents, some from the 1970s, reveal her meticulous design approach, even in her most rebellious phases. Early concepts for the Orb logo, for instance, show iterations blending medieval heraldry with futuristic imagery long before the 1985 final version. The exhibition will display select sketches alongside finished pieces, offering visitors a glimpse into how her ideas developed from raw concepts to wearable art. This behind-the-scenes perspective positions her as both a designer and a visionary who treated jewellery as a tool for political and artistic expression.
Visitors can participate in interactive workshops focused on DIY jewellery techniques inspired by Westwood’s punk ethos. Led by local artisans and brand representatives, these sessions will cover upcycling materials like metal scraps or vintage textiles, mirroring the hands-on, subversive spirit of her early collections. Free with admission, the workshops aim to extend the exhibition’s impact beyond passive viewing, encouraging direct engagement with her philosophy of creativity as resistance. This hands-on element reflects the brand’s ongoing appeal to younger audiences who continue to draw from her fusion of activism and craftsmanship.
The exhibition’s final section, “Legacy in Motion,” shifts to Westwood’s posthumous influence on contemporary fashion and jewellery design. It features works by emerging designers inspired by her, alongside reinterpretations of her archival pieces by Thai artisans. This segment connects past and present, demonstrating how her radical ideas, once considered provocative, have become foundational to modern luxury. The inclusion of Thai contributions also emphasizes the exhibition’s role in promoting cross-cultural exchange, a theme central to Westwood’s global collaborations throughout her career.
