British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood showcased over 200 of her most iconic shoes in the 2010 exhibition Vivienne Westwood Shoes: An Exhibition 1973-2010. The exhibit, which ran at Selfridges Ultralounge in London from August 26 to September 22, 2010, chronicled four decades of her unconventional, trailblazing footwear designs.
Among the standout pieces were the cult-favorite 1981 Pirate Boots and the jaw-dropping 10-inch-high Mock-Croc Elevated Gillies platform shoes—infamously responsible for Naomi Campbell’s legendary fall on the runway during a 1993 Vivienne Westwood show.
Vivienne Westwood’s Shoe Legacy: A Rebel With a Cause
Westwood’s influence extended far beyond aesthetics; she saw fashion as a tool for rebellion, once stating, ‘I didn’t consider myself a fashion designer at all at the time of punk. I was just using fashion as a way to express my resistance and to be rebellious.’ This defiant spirit is embedded in her designs, from the rugged, anarchic appeal of her Pirate Boots to the gravity-defying statement of her platform heels.
Vivienne Westwood at London Fashion Week Spring and Summer 2011 on September 19, 2010 (Credit: WENN)
Vivienne Westwood’s Most Iconic Shoes of All Time
Though this exhibit has long ended, Westwood’s legacy in footwear remains unparalleled. Her bold, avant-garde shoe designs continue to influence the fashion world, with many of her most famous styles still inspiring modern collections.
For those looking to own a piece of her rebellious fashion history, Vivienne Westwood shoes—both archival-inspired and new designs—are still available today.
Why Vivienne Westwood’s Shoe Philosophy Still Matters
True to her ethos, Westwood often championed the idea of mindful consumption, famously stating, ‘Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity.’ This philosophy continues to resonate, encouraging fashion lovers to invest in timeless, well-crafted footwear rather than fleeting trends.
Explore her latest collections and collaborations through select retailers and online fashion platforms such as Farfetch.
Mock-Croc Elevated Gillies from 1993
Green Satin Winter Boots from 2010
Super Elevated Lace-Up Ankle Boots from 1993
Tracee Ellis Ross’ First Luxury Splurge: The Iconic Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boots
Tracee Ellis Ross, daughter of music icon Diana Ross, developed an appreciation for fashion by saving up for high-end purchases rather than being handed everything she wanted.
In a 2024 interview, she revealed that while filming Girlfriends—where she often used her own wardrobe due to budget constraints—she indulged in one major fashion splurge per season renewal. For Girlfriends’ third season in 2002, she bought her first high-fashion item: the Vivienne Westwood Pirate boots, a legendary style introduced in Westwood’s 1981 “Pirates” collection.
Linen Pirate Boots from 1998
Inspired by Kate Moss, who popularized the boots in the late 1990s and 2000s, Ross paid around $780 for the custom-made pair, a fraction of their estimated $4,000 value today.
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The boots, known for their slouchy silhouette and multiple straps, have remained a staple of Westwood’s label, worn by icons like Sienna Miller, Miley Cyrus, and Gwen Stefani. Ross still owns her pair, and the boots remain a sought-after fashion statement, recently worn by Anne Hathaway for Halloween.
Anne Hathaway channels a modern Princess Leia for Halloween in New York on October 31, 2024, pairing a draped tan dress with iconic Vivienne Westwood Pirate boots (Credit: Elder Ordonez / INSTARimages)
“Kate bought a pair of those boots and then everybody wanted them,” Vivienne Westwood said in an interview. “She loves fashion, she understands clothes. She knows how to work clothes. I think Kate is the most stylish person that treads the planet.”
Swarovski Shoes from 2010
Three-Tongue Trainer from 1983
Anglophilia Sack Boots from 2002
LV Boot from 1995
Rocking Horse Ballerina Shoes from 1986
Super Elevated Cowboy Boots from 1994
Honoring Vivienne Westwood: A Fashion Icon’s Final Farewell
Vivienne Westwood, the iconic British fashion designer, passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 81. Her memorial service was held on February 16, 2023, at London’s Southwark Cathedral, where notable figures from the fashion world gathered to pay their respects.
Elle Fanning honored Westwood by wearing a black knee-length dress paired with high-heel Mary Jane pumps, capturing the designer’s signature blend of elegance and rebellion. Victoria Beckham attended in an eyelet-embroidered black dress, reflecting Westwood’s influence on contemporary fashion.
Longtime muse Kate Moss donned a black floral dress complemented by a velvet coat and platform heels, epitomizing the designer’s distinctive style. These heartfelt tributes underscore Westwood’s enduring legacy and her profound impact on the fashion industry.
As for Vivienne Westwood shoes inspired by previous collections that were still available for sale, check out the shoes below:
Apollo Winged Shoe from 1988
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania+ Wing, $145.00
Hammerhead Trainer from 1981
Vivienne Westwood MAN Men’s Hammerhead Trainer, $415.00
Pirate Boot from 1981
Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boot in Lace/Naturale, $345.00
Vivienne Westwood’s Enduring Influence on Fashion
Vivienne Westwood’s influence on fashion remains profound, with numerous celebrities paying homage to her iconic designs.
For instance, at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards, Kerry Washington captivated audiences in a stunning green corseted gown by Westwood, exemplifying the designer’s signature blend of elegance and rebellion.
Similarly, Daisy Edgar-Jones embraced Westwood’s distinctive style during the London promotion of Twisters, wearing a draped dress highlighting the brand’s renowned craftsmanship.
Hilary Duff is another celebrity fan of Vivienne Westwood’s designs.
Hilary Duff at the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards held at The Marriot Marquis in New York City on March 26, 2007 (Credit: PNP / WENN)
We still remember this cleavage-popping gown from the same designer she wore in 2007 paired with Miu Miu pumps.
Hilary Duff stuns in a cleavage-popping strapless Vivienne Westwood dress, effortlessly blending elegance with a touch of daring allure
Channel Hilary Duff’s red carpet elegance by pairing a draped, cleavage-enhancing Vivienne Westwood dress with statement earrings, metallic heels, and a sleek updo for a flawless, sophisticated look
Hilary Duff dazzles in crystal-studded Miu Miu pumps, adding the perfect touch of glamour to her red carpet look with these sparkling, statement-making heels
In August 2014, Elle Fanning also paid homage to the designer by pairing a Vivienne Westwood ensemble with Christian Louboutin heels, exemplifying a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary styles. These moments underscore Westwood’s enduring legacy and continued impact on contemporary fashion.