Jacket, doublet, sash, shirt, trousers, belt, hat and shoes
1981 {Pirate collection, autumn-winter 1981–82}
Medium
cotton polyester (brocade, satin damask), cotton (brushed, thread, grosgrain), synthetic fabric (satin), wool (felt), nylon (lace), card, leather and plastic and metal (fastenings)
Measurements
(a) 72.0 cm (centre back) 66.0 cm (sleeve length) (jacket)
(b) 46.0 cm (centre back) 52.5 cm (waist, flat) (doublet)
(c) 42.0 × 223.0 cm (sash)
(d) 86.5 cm (centre back) 49.0 cm (sleeve length) (shirt)
(e) 104.0 cm (outer leg) 37.0 cm (waist, flat) (trousers)
(f) 7.0 × 114.0 cm (belt)
(g) 54.0 cm (outer circumference) 19.0 cm (height) 20.0 cm (width) (hat)
(h-i) 9.0 × 10.0 × 29.0 cm (shoes) (each)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2024
Gallery location
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Ground Level, NGV International
About this work
Westwood’s runway debut, Pirate, caused a sensation with its mix of New Romantic flamboyance, bold prints and historical cuts. It set the scene for her future shows: exuberant non-professional models, a blending of men’s and womenswear and street-savvy connections to contemporary club culture. The collection celebrated clothing as something adventurous and playful. As the press release put it: ‘These clothes are made to go hunting and fishing in, climbing trees and running through the wilderness – cassette pack on your back, loincloth between your legs, gold braids in your hair, a modern-day pirate.’
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
England
Inscription
(a) label, right side front, woven in yellow on maroon cotton: worlds / end / (arm holding sword) / mclaren / westwood / BORN IN ENGLAND
(d) label, centre back neckline, printed in green on yellow linen: worlds / end / (arm holding sword) / mclaren / westwood / BORN IN ENGLAND
(e) label, centre back waistline, woven in yellow on maroon cotton: worlds / end / (arm holding sword) / mclaren / westwood / BORN IN ENGLAND
(g) label, side band, woven in yellow on maroon cotton: worlds / end / (arm holding sword) / mclaren / westwood / BORN IN ENGLAND
(h) label, insole, woven in red on yellow cotton: (orb) / Vivienne / Westwood / MADE IN ENGLAND ©
(i) label, insole, woven in red on yellow cotton: (orb) / Vivienne / Westwood / MADE IN ENGLAND ©
Accession Number
2024.747.a-i
Department
International Fashion and Textiles