In honour of the historic milestone of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we’re celebrating our favourite heritage brands, their British culture and the breakthroughs that moulded their paths. No list of influential designers would be complete without mention of Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Ted Baker and Stella McCartney.
Vivienne Westwood
The Grande Dame, Vivienne Westwood is renowned for reviving the corset and redefining the way we dress. The British designer launched her label in the early 70s, where she began crafting Teddy Boy clothes for Malcom McLauren. Their store sold ‘God Save The Queen’ T-shirts, Union Jack designs, biker jackets and zip chains – the queen of punk created the ultimate fashion hotspot for the punk movement.
In 1983, Vivienne Westwood kick-started her solo career with the ‘Clint Eastwood’ collection, which was a great success. She continued crafting outstanding collections like ‘Anglomania’ – a patchwork taken from French and British cultures. Thereafter, Vivienne Westwood won her first Designer of the Year Award and Queen Elizabeth II appointed her ‘Officer of the Order of the British Empire’.
In the 2000s, Vivienne Westwood designed the iconic fairy-tale wedding dress for the cult TV show, ‘Sex and the City’ – a true piece of fashion history. NET-A-PORTER later released a shorter version of the dress, and it most certainly sold out within hours.
As Vivienne Westwood continued to blossom, her passion for political engagement grew stronger and stronger throughout her journey. From ‘chaos’ and ‘destroy slogans’, favoured by the punks to ‘We Are Not Disposable’ and ‘What’s good for the planet is good for the economy’ – Spring/Summer 2020 sustainable collection. Westwood’s new target was to strive for a greener planet and her political engagement continues today.
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen was a visionary, one of the most celebrated fashion designers of his generation. Throughout his 18-year career, the designer served as creative director at his eponymous label and for Givenchy from 1996 to 2001.
His 1992 collection titled ‘Jack the Ripper Stalks his Victims’ featured printed thorns on a coat and McQueen’s hair locks sewn into the fabrics. He was well known for his irreverent and unique designs as such, and for embracing his lower-class background.
McQueen won the British Designer of the year award 4 times and was appointed the Commander of the Order by the British Empire. His story is remarkable – his astonishing shows, bold styles and passion inspired the world of fashion and his legacy lives on forever…
Shortly after his untimely death, co-designer, Sarah Burton took over the brand and went on to design a spectacular wedding dress for Kate Middleton, which she wore to marry Prince William.
Stella McCartney
Born in London into a legendary family of creators, Stella McCartney was raised both in the city and English countryside. Also known as rock royalty as the daughter of a Beatle, Paul McCartney.
She is widely recognised for her bold aesthetics, sharp tailoring and masculine energy. After proving her chops as the Creative Director of French house Chloé, she launched her own luxury fashion house and showcased her first collection in Paris in 2001.
In 2012, she created the national kit for Team GB at the Olympics. She was then awarded with both Designer and Designer Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. Both parties admired her thriving label and international success. McCartney’s designs are worn by some of the world’s biggest celebrities including Madonna and Kate Hudson.
A lifelong vegetarian, she’s always believed fashion is fur-free. McCartney refuses to use leather, fur or skin in any of her designs. The brand is continuously growing its sustainability and she strives for designs that are elegant and ethical.
Ted Baker
Ted Baker is renowned for being one of the fastest-growing lifestyle brands in the UK. Ray Kelvin, also known as the founder of Ted Baker, began his career at age 11, working at his uncle’s menswear store.
Ted Baker launched as a shirt specialist in Glasgow and became the ultimate go-to for the very best in contemporary men’s shirts. Kelvin’s always focused on quality, details and a quirky sense of humour – so much that the early stores used to provide a laundry service. No wonder why he gained the fast-growing brand title of ‘No Ordinary Designer Label’.
Ray Kelvin believed in crafting high-quality yet affordable clothing. He expressed that anyone could create quality clothes that are expensive, but not everyone can craft quality clothes that are affordable – he designs pieces that “do not cost the earth”. Ted Baker prioritise people, passion and products.
Today, the company has stores in 35 countries around the world, Kelvin believes his employees are integral to Ted Baker’s success. He hugs his colleagues every day, the store staff and everyone that makes the magic happen.
Want to see more from our favourite heritage brands? Shop their royal collections here at BrandAlley: Queen of Style, King of Style, A Royal Accessories Affair
Words by Patience Ssebuwufu
