Andreas Kronthaler took over the stage at Paris Fashion Week to pay homage to the classic Vivienne Westwood spirit of rebellion
By: Carolina Castro
Credit: Carolina Castro
Punk rock is newly alive and well, and Vivienne Westwood is taking the resurgence by storm. At the brand’s recent Fall/Winter 2025/2026 show on March 8th, Austrian designer Andrew Kronthaler paid homage to his late wife and namesake of the company by bringing back the patterns and gender fluidity that set it apart.
Vivienne Westwood has always been known for bringing punk fashion into the mainstream through its signature use of plaid, unconventional silhouettes and mixing of economic status symbols. Westwood was known to draw inspiration from ordinary people in the Tube and turn them into fashion icons — and widow Andrew Kronthaler honored his late wife by doing the same.
Credit: Kendam Photos
The show opened with a series of idiosyncratic takes on a classic suit. Dawning unusually long ties, asymmetrical trousers and exaggerated top hats, models walked out, toeing the line between business professional and a manic episode. Most models in this section were women dressed in more conservative pairings, while the few men came out with shorter cuts and tighter pieces, playing on the typical androgyny of the brand. The hats completed the outfits, as Vivienne Westwood looks are nothing without their headpieces.
Credit: Kendam Photos
The suit portion of the show ended with two looks in their classic yellow plaid print, a Vivienne Westwood staple. Kronthaler took a step further by mixing prints with the button-down and tie beneath the blazer — an ode to early Vivienne Westwood looks that experimented with mismatched patterns.
Credit: Kendam Photos
The Austrian-born designer took the opportunity to pay homage to his home country in this show, as well. Puffers, as pictured, and other classic ski attire swept the runway to honor his mountainous hometown of Tyrol. With loud prints and a full matching set, I know I would be honored to wear this as I merely watched others skiing down the black diamond, without attempting myself.
Credit: Kendam Photos
Kronthaler finally reaches the inspiration for this show towards the end: Brigitte Bardot in “And God Created Woman.” The concept of the liberated woman and embracing femininity are highlighted in this section, as tighter silhouettes and lower cuts began appearing. While I am unsure how the mittens would off-set the chills hitting my chest, this outfit is still one I will continue to painstakingly search for at the thrift.
Credit: Kendam Photos
Lastly, what is a Vivienne Westwood show without its bride turning the runway into her altar? Kronthaler opted for this whimsical, floral and perfectly gothic yet chic look to end his show. While it may be unconventional, Vivienne Westwood is nothing if not the definition of the word. He perfectly mixes the punk style with boho accents and an incredible bodice that flares out to give a dramatic yet translucent skirt.
Kronthaler officially ended his show by throwing mimosas into the crowd as a celebration of International Women’s Day, a tradition typical of Italian culture. Paris Fashion Week, Austrian designer, Italian traditions — We could not have asked more of this designer’s contribution to Vivienne Westwood’s runway history.
Carolina Castro is a first-year marketing student and avid watcher of runways. Paris Fashion Week has been her Superbowl, while Ash Trevino lore has stepped up as the half-time show.
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