Terms and conditions of use
Orb, handbag
(c. 1989)
Medium
plastic, metal, imitation jewels, opaque synthetic polymer resin, leather
Measurements
19.0 × 22.0 × 22.0 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1996
Gallery location
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Ground Level, NGV International
About this work
The encircled orb, ringed like Saturn, is an instantly recognisable logo for Vivienne Westwood. Adapted from the Scottish heritage brand Harris Tweed, it was transformed by Westwood to embody her driving motivation: to take tradition into the future. First seen in her 1987 Harris Tweed collection as embroideries and buttons, the orb has since been used for the house label, jewellery and accessories. The symbol remains a powerful totem, playfully referencing royalty, tradition and forward-looking innovation, and reflecting Westwood’s self-proclaimed status as the ‘Queen of Fashion’.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
France
Inscription
engraved in top c: Vivienne / Westwood / MADE IN FRANCE
Accession Number
1996.714
Department
International Fashion and Textiles
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest