Vivienne Westwood embodied the spirit of punk like no one else. She was a trailblazing designer who reshaped global fashion. She gave voice to a rebellious generation, turning studs, leather, and tartan into a new visual language. Known as one of the most provocative figures in fashion history, she never confined herself to one realm of design. Even in bridalwear, Westwood’s subversive streak shone through, bringing an unexpected, anti-conformist energy that redefined what a wedding dress could be.
Photo: Atmosphere Fotografia, Courtesy of Vivienne Westwood
Her bridal designs walk the line between romance and rebellion, capturing a bride’s desire to feel both powerful and poetic. Westwood’s collections celebrate femininity through architecture and attitude, structure and power. They are the perfect choice for brides who view their wedding look as more than just fashion, but rather as an expression of their personality. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Vivienne Westwood’s bridalwear and the renowned brides who chose to wear it.
Photo: Courtesy of Vivienne Westwood, Danelle Bohane
Vivienne Westwood’s Revolutionary Take on Bridal Fashion
Vivienne Westwood was never interested in following rules, and her bridal collections made that abundantly clear. In the early ’90s, she flipped the idea of a wedding gown on its head, taking it out of the realm of purity and placing it firmly into the sphere of identity and art.
When Kate Moss stepped onto the runway as Westwood’s first “punk bride” wearing a tartan wedding gown, it was an explosion of color and volume, paired with an irreverent veil and stark, almost ghostly makeup. This wasn’t about being demure or delicate, but was about the bride commanding the room with attitude. Moss’s look for Vivienne Westwood’s Autumn/Winter 1993 ‘Anglomania’ collection captured the rebellious joy of Westwood’s vision: romantic with attitude, an aesthetic that gave brides the license to celebrate contradictions.
Just a few seasons later, Naomi Campbell proved Westwood’s range. In 1995, she wore a Victorian-inspired gown—pearlescent, bow-adorned, and exquisitely regal. Traditional on the surface, yet unmistakably modern in its cut and presence, it showcased how Westwood could reclaim historical silhouettes while keeping them fresh and subversive.
Photo: Courtesy of Vivienne Westwood
Then came one of Westwood’s most haunting moments: the blindfolded bride draped in bondage straps in the Spring/Summer 1997 collection. The standout look, known as the “Love is Blind” ensemble, featured a corseted bodice, a voluminous skirt, and a crown of flowers felt almost otherworldly paired with the symbolic details. It reflected Westwood’s expression that true love requires a blind faith akin to religion; one must be able to walk down the aisle, hands bound and eyes covered, if they truly love someone. It was as much performance as fashion—an unforgettable commentary on tradition, expectation, and spectacle.
Photo: Courtesy of Vivienne Westwood
Carrie Bradshaw’s Wedding Dress: An Iconic Pop Culture Moment
If the runway cemented Westwood’s status among fashion insiders, it was Carrie Bradshaw who carried her into global pop culture legend. In Sex and the City: The Movie (2008), Sarah Jessica Parker’s character donned the now-famous “Cloud” dress, a sculpted ivory duchess satin corset paired with a sweeping, architectural skirt.
On screen, the dress wasn’t just wardrobe; it was storytelling. Carrie’s towering silhouette embodied everything Westwood stood for: drama, extravagance, and empowerment through structure. The addition of a bold feathered headpiece pushed it even further, blurring the line between bridalwear and art installation.
And when Mr. Big left Carrie at the altar, the gown itself became a character—forever etched in the minds of viewers as the ultimate “almost happily-ever-after.” Later, when the dress reappeared in And Just Like That…, styled with a teal cape and gloves, it reminded us of Westwood’s core ethos: a gown can evolve with the woman who wears it, shifting meaning and energy over time.
Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images
Celebrity Weddings: Real Brides, Real Style
Westwood’s gowns haven’t only graced runways and film—they’ve become real-life heirlooms for some of the world’s most stylish brides. Each woman who wears Westwood interprets her own power, sensuality, and individuality through the designer’s unmistakable codes.
Miley Cyrus (2018) – At her intimate Nashville wedding to Liam Hemsworth, Miley chose an off-the-shoulder silk gown with a fluid silhouette. The look was stripped of heavy ornamentation, yet imbued with quiet strength. Paired with her natural waves and a simple bouquet, it was the perfect embodiment of Westwood’s empowerment through structure—a corseted bodice providing confidence, while the flowing skirt spoke to effortless romance.
Lorraine Pascale (2021) – The British model and TV chef opted for a Westwood creation that fused playfulness with grandeur. Her off-the-shoulder mini dress featured a tulip-shaped skirt that spilled into a dramatic train. It was a gown that embodied Westwood’s punk heart, giving the bride not just elegance, but an unmistakable edge—romantic with attitude brought to life.
Photo: Courtesy of Miley Cyrus, Benjamin Wheeler
Genevieve Morano Campori (2022) – Rejecting white altogether, she chose a gilded silk lamé creation with a three-meter detachable train. This asymmetrical ensemble blurred the line between gown and art object, capturing Westwood’s rebellious legacy of redefining what a “wedding dress” can be.
Georgia Fowler (2023) – The New Zealand model stunned in a classic Westwood silhouette: a strapless corseted bodice and draped skirt that cascaded with effortless grace. It struck the perfect balance between timeless and modern, channeling old-Hollywood glamour while feeling undeniably fresh.
Photo: Kai Gillespie, Alice Mahran
Jaime Winstone (2023) – British actress who once walked Vivienne Westwood’s runway as a teenager—returned to the fashion house in the most heartfelt way: by wearing Westwood on her wedding day in Sicily. She selected the “Princess” gown, featuring a corset bodice and tiered tulle skirt, adorned with olive leaf motifs that evoke her Sicilian roots. Speaking about the gown, Jaime noted, “It really does make me feel like a magical punk princess,” and described it as “the most beautiful thing I’ve ever put on.”
Barbara Palvin (2023) – For her wedding to actor Dylan Sprouse, Palvin wore a vintage-tinged ankle-length corset dress, styled with a Tiffany & Co. choker. The look was chic yet playful, highlighting how Westwood’s gowns allow brides to merge heritage with personal flair.
Photo: Luke Rennard, Reduster
Laura Hanson Sims (2024) – For her intimate backyard wedding the model chose a Vivienne Westwood gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a corseted bodice which was a reproduction of a couture piece from the year she was born, making it feel destined. She paired it with a rose-embroidered mantilla veil, diamond studs from her mother, and her godmother’s antique sapphire ring.
Vicky Krieps (2025) – At her wedding in Greece, the actress chose not one but three Vivienne Westwood gowns—each rich with meaning and character. For the ceremony, she wore a white, princess-like Edwardian-inspired dress embroidered with roses—a tender yet powerful tribute to her grandmother, creating a symbolic bridge between past and present. In the evening, she changed into a Grecian-style draped gown, before ending the night in a playful mini corset dress.
Photo: Brett Warren, German Larkin
Demi Lovato (2025) – The singer embraced the theatricality of two bespoke gowns: an off-the-shoulder corseted silk satin gown for the ceremony, followed by a column dress adorned with cascading pearls for the reception. Together, they told a story of duality—strength and softness, modernity and tradition—all through Westwood’s hand.
Charli XCX (2025) – In perhaps the boldest interpretation yet, Charli walked down the aisle in a satin ivory mini dress inspired by Westwood’s iconic “Cocotte” silhouette. Styled with slingbacks and sunglasses, it was cheeky, fearless, and very Gen Z, a true love letter to Westwood’s punk-bridal DNA.
Photo: Jose Villa, Courtesy of Click News and Media
