Recognised for her gentle parody of The Establishment, playful combinations of British fabrics and sheer eccentricity, Vivienne Westwood’s designs capture an iconic and rebellious legacy.

Joining forces with The Rug Company in 2005, Anglophiles went weak at the knees for Westwood’s emblematic prints reimagined into a collection of rugs and cushions.

Showcasing the unmistakable orb and Union Jack flag, Westwood’s collection is a capsule of iconic British design.

Following her last collection with The Rug Company, the British Fashion grand Dame spoke about her inspirations, favourite places and why quality matters.

Vivienne Westwood

Q: Because handmade rugs have a notoriously long life and are, sadly, likely to outlive us all, do you think that this longevity should influence design and colour decisions?

A: My products are well designed and of good quality and I’ve always encouraged people to purchase intelligently instead of buying throwaway goods. I don’t think I consciously design with longevity in mind but they often do last and are worn for seasons.

Q: Favourite museum?

A: The Wallace Collection in particular for the 17th century.

Q: What is the story behind the Orb symbol?

A: The VW signature orb symbolises the world- yet it is quintessentially British, part of the historical royal regalia held by the Queen. The logo represents ‘taking tradition into the future’, where the orb represents tradition and the past and the future is symbolised by Saturn’s orbital ring.

Q: Favourite book?

A: The Vanishing Face of Gaia by James Lovelock.

Fire by Vivienne Westwood

Q: What surprised you about the translation of your designs into rugs?

A: It’s always great to see your clothing designs transformed and adapted into other products. It brings a new angle to the design.

Q: Favourite artist?

A: My favourite painters are Titian and Velasquez and also Vermeer.

Vivienne Westwood Fashion Show
Vivienne Westwood FW14
Q: Fashion can be seen as a self-expression, a sometimes provocative statement about sensuality, emotional or even political beliefs. Is your home also a place for self-expression?

A: Fashion wouldn’t have been my choice of job. I did it because I could and you have to earn your living. In the course of my career, I am constantly inundated with people asking me things. People are sometimes more concerned with my opinions than in looking at my clothes and there is a reason for that. I do have respect from people that see that my clothes are real and not just hype. The honest truth is that I try to communicate what I think. If you feel that you have anything to say that may help, then you appreciate having the platform to say it.

Q: What is your favourite room in your house?

A: If I am free I can spend the whole day in bed reading. I would then say my bedroom.

Squiggle Orange by Vivienne Westwood
Q: You extol the importance of buying less but buying quality, something that lasts. Do you feel your collection for The Rug Company reflects this philosophy?

A: Quality rather than quantity is my philosophy and lifestyle, therefore, my collection with The Rug Company reflects this.

Magnolia Ice by Vivienne Westwood
Thistle Pewter by Vivienne Westwood
Q: How did you relate past and present within your rug collections?

A: The only place to find ideas is by looking at what people did in the past. It’s the only way to be original. You can’t be original by just wanting to do something. Nothing comes from a vacuum.

Q: Favourite city?

A: Favourite city? London is an amazing city. There’s nowhere in the world like it - it’s so large. You sense the whole history.

Vivienne Westwood's studio
Artwork of a Vivienne Westwood suit
Materials from Vivienne Westwood's creative studio
Q: Favourite market?

A: The fibres of the noble bamboo plant are very long and strong. With special treatment they can be spun into a yarn that is lustrous like silk yet cool to the touch. Bamboo yarn is uneven in colour and texture and the result is a rustic finish that exhibits interesting fluctuations in tone for a natural look.

Q: Is the public perception of you different to your personal one?

A: I do think that I’m a very responsible person. My career has given me a certain status. On the human level, I’ve learnt about people including myself. I’ve learnt that even the smallest thing is never black or white and that people’s behaviour is always relative to the situation.

Q: Favourite smell?

A: My perfume Boudoir Sin Garden.