Vivienne-Westwood-pwaw-2010

PARIS, Mar 8, 2010 / FW/ — The gothic and dark English romanticism, with the eternally lovelorn ladies, ghosts and unforgettable characters like Jane Eyre, Elizabeth Bennet and Catherine Earnshaw came to life in the Vivienne Westwood Fall 2010 collection.

From Edgar Allan Poe to the Bronte sisters, their characters seemed to jump right at you… hence the audience was wordlessly asking “is it just my imagination or is it for real?”

Freely draped blue cape held together by a bow on the waist is layered over a purplish blue dress with lace. With a Bordeaux high hat and a tote that looked like it was falling apart… this could be a scene from Wuthering Heights without Heathcliff in tow.

Dark overalls featuring colorful prints of women’s faces and flames in the style of pop art is made elegant by a lace jacket and the black felt hat. Is that the 21st century Elizabeth Bennet? Or maybe it is not Elizabeth at all, but sinners’ tormented souls in hell?

A multi-layered organza frock hand painted with English roses, the innocence was turned into insouciance with the dark eye makeup and striped leggings.

[LIDIA BARDINA]
Photos courtesy of Vivienne Westwood

Paris Prêt-a-porter Fall 2010