How to Authenticate Vintage Vivienne Westwood

Fashion icon and political rebel Vivienne Westwood is known for her irreverent and provocative style. Since launching her eponymous label in 1971, Westwood has explored a variety of different aesthetics whilst staying true to her unique style. Along the way, Westwood has created a number of different labels for each line she has worked on. Irvrsbl sources an array of Vivienne Westwood pieces from various collections, this guide identifies the difference between labels and their significance to the fashion house.

 Labels differ between the year and season, to help you to authenticate your garment we have added examples of labels from each line from our collection. Note that, for each label the garment's tag should state the origin of production. Majority of the garments are made in Italy and this will be printed on the tag.

Gold Label

In 1993 Vivienne Westwood divided her women's wear main line label into two, the 'Red Label' which focused on ready to wear and the 'Gold Label' a made to measure couture line. 

The Gold Label tag will feature embroidered 'Vivienne Westwood' and 'Gold Label' text in gold thread. Most of the Gold Label garments are made in Italy, this will be stated on the garment tag. 

Red Label

Probably among one of Vivienne Westwood’s most iconic lines, is her Red Label collection. This began in 1993 and continued until 2016. Red Label diverged from the main label as a ready to wear line with the aim of being more youthful and affordable.

The Red Label tag is red and will feature embroidered 'Vivienne Westwood' and 'Red Label' text in yellow thread. 

Below are some examples of how different red label tags can appear, including a Sock Shop exclusive collaboration that is commonly seen on pieces. 

Anglomania

Westwood named her Anglomania label garments after her famous 1993 collection where she combined French and English fashion, introducing her famous corset shape that remains influential within the industry today. The Anglomania line is a diffusion line created with the aim of selling to a younger market. 

Most Anglomania garments are made in Italy, however the production origin will be stated on the garment tag. The Anglomania tag is black with yellow text.

Below are some examples of Anglomania labels you may find on old and new Vivienne Westwood garments.