Paris Fashion Week reached a fever pitch as Vivienne Westwood and Andreas Kronthaler unveiled the Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood AW26/27 collection. The show felt like a glorious collision of history and hedonism. It served as a reminder that the heart of Westwood still beats with radical, unapologetic artistry. Maybe that is why it was so hot in the show space.
The Bawdy and the Beautiful: Andreas Kronthaler’s Medieval Punk Pilgrimage for Vivienne Westwood AW26/27
The Vision: A Mountain of Artistry and Anarchy
Kronthaler described his creative process with poetic chaos. He envisioned throwing the entire collection into the sky. “It landed in a big pile,” he remarked backstage. This “mountain” of clothing became a playground for a ramshackle crew of pilgrims. The theme drew heavily from Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 1972 film, The Canterbury Tales.
The atmosphere was further haunted by the aura of Austrian actress Romy Schneider. Kronthaler praised her as a “fearless woman” akin to Vivienne herself. This dual inspiration created a show that was rowdy, erotic, and deeply personal.
Who is Andreas Kronthaler, and Why was Vivienne Westwood the Queen of Punk?
The Self-Taught Revolutionary
Vivienne Westwood earned her crown by weaponising fashion. She used safety pins, bondage gear, and slogans to dismantle the status quo in the 1970s. She transformed clothes into a political manifesto.
The Guardian of the Legacy
Andreas Kronthaler met Vivienne in 1988 while he was an industrial design student. Their partnership was a rare fusion of technical progress and unconventional rebellion. He has kept the brand true to the Westwood DNA by maintaining its “archivist’s exactitude.” He seamlessly blends 18th-century French Rococo with modern street-edge.
A Lifestyle Built on Activism
Kronthaler turned the label into a global lifestyle brand by diversifying into bridal, jewellery, and fragrance. However, he never sacrificed the core message: “Buy less, choose well, make it last.”
Technical Detail: Loden Coats, Nylon Cloqué, and Erotic Signifiers
The collection’s technical execution showcased a “ramshackle” perfection. Milanese loden coats arrived in unlikely checks, paired with smudged lipstick. A standout piece was the nylon cloqué wrap coat. It featured a gold grommeted belt and silk upper boots.
Innovation appeared in a check debutante dress. Blue threads were woven to bristle out like animal shagginess. Lingerie elements were applied with “gleeful permissiveness” to all genders. We saw net dresses with embroidered orange braid and playsuits refashioned from underwear. The silhouettes felt spontaneous, as if draped live on the models.
Cultural Connection: The Front Row and the Westwood Woman
The Vivienne Westwood woman remains an intellectual provocateur. She is someone who enjoys being “read” through her historical references. This season, the front row was a sea of influencers like Chappell Roan and Lola Young. These stars embody the brand’s rebellious energy for a new generation.
The presence of influencers proves the brand’s continued relevance in the digital zeitgeist. Celebrities like Ariana Grande and Charli XCX continue to champion the label on red carpets. They chose Westwood for its ability to enhance beauty through subversive structure.
The Style Cartel Verdict
| Category | Rating |
| The Wow Factor | 10/10 |
| The Styling | 9.5/10 |
| The On-Brand Factor | 10/10 |
The show concluded with a bride in double duchesse satin clutching a bouquet of radishes. It was a perfectly absurd, poignantly Westwood finale. Kronthaler has proven that even without the Queen, the rebellion lives on. This collection will dominate the Fall/Winter 2026 season with its “arty-looking” nervous energy.
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Photos: Vivienne Westwood
