In the labyrinth of fashion’s power dynamics, few narratives cut as deep as those involving legacy. This week, the industry turned its gaze to an unfolding drama at Vivienne Westwood, where bloodlines and business interests have collided in a most public way. Cora Corré, granddaughter of the legendary Dame Vivienne Westwood, announced her departure from the company that not only bears her family name but also carries the weight of a revolutionary fashion ethos.
At 27, Corré has been more than a namesake within the brand; she served as campaigns manager, intertwining her activism with the company’s storied heritage. But in a candid letter dispatched to the entire staff, she laid bare her reasons for stepping down, casting a spotlight on chief executive Carlo d’Amario. “In the years leading up to my grandmother’s death, she was deeply unhappy with the way the company was being run,” Corré wrote. “It was her wish that… d’Amario was removed and the company was managed in a way that respected her values.”
The heart of the matter extends beyond internal disagreements. It touches on the sanctity of a legacy built on defiance and dissent. The Vivienne Foundation, a not-for-profit established by Westwood in 2019 and helmed by her family—including Corré—has found itself at odds with the commercial arm of the brand. The foundation alleges that the company is undermining its ability to carry forward Westwood’s activist mission, particularly by contesting trademarks and impeding fundraising efforts.
“Effectively, Carlo is preventing [the foundation] from raising money to support the charities Vivienne was so passionate about,” Corré asserted. The foundation, which holds the copyrights and intellectual property of Westwood’s pre-1993 creations, is more than a custodial entity; it’s the vessel through which Westwood’s commitments to climate action, human rights, and anti-capitalist principles are meant to persist.
Tensions escalated with the release of a collaboration between Vivienne Westwood and the streetwear label Palace. The collection drew from Westwood’s archives—designs that the foundation oversees—but was launched without the foundation’s consultation. The foundation didn’t mince words, stating, “This shows a blatant disregard for Vivienne’s wishes, her legacy, and the foundation.”
While the company has remained tight-lipped publicly, the silence itself speaks volumes in an industry where narratives are as carefully crafted as couture. Insiders convey a sense of profound disappointment. “This situation has caused the family so much sadness,” shared a source close to them. “The ethos of the Vivienne Foundation is the heart and soul of the VW company.”
Amid the discord, Andreas Kronthaler, Westwood’s widower and creative partner, continues in his role as creative director—a position he’s held since 2016, aligning with Westwood’s own wishes. His presence adds another layer to an already intricate tapestry of personal and professional allegiances within the brand.
Dame Vivienne Westwood, who passed away in December 2022 at the age of 81, was never one to shy away from challenging the status quo. From igniting the punk movement to spearheading environmental activism, her influence transcended fashion. Her death prompted reflections on not just her designs but the ideals she wove into them.
Recent months have seen a renewed interest in Westwood’s work. Taylor Swift’s choice to wear bespoke Vivienne Westwood designs during her Eras Tour reintroduced the brand’s avant-garde aesthetic to a new generation. Meanwhile, an auction at Christie’s featuring pieces from Westwood’s personal wardrobe channeled proceeds to organizations like Greenpeace, Médecins Sans Frontières, Amnesty International, and the Vivienne Foundation itself.
Corré’s decision to focus solely on the foundation marks a pivotal moment. “Vivienne taught me to always stand up for what is right, and I want to stay true to that,” she shared on social media. “Due to a breakdown in relations between the Vivienne Westwood company and the Vivienne Foundation, my role within the company has become untenable… This is not the end but a moment to move on.”
Her departure doesn’t just signify a personal crossroads; it highlights a broader conversation about how brands honor their founders’ legacies. When commercial ambitions clash with foundational principles, which path prevails?
In the fashion world, where heritage is both a selling point and a responsibility, the unfolding situation at Vivienne Westwood serves as a compelling case study. It challenges industry players and observers alike to consider the true cost of staying authentic to one’s roots.
As Corré channels her energy into the Vivienne Foundation, she carries forward not just her grandmother’s name, but her indomitable spirit. In an arena that often prioritizes the new over the true, her stance is a reminder that some legacies are worth more than the labels they inspire—they’re a call to action.
