Vivienne Westwood’s granddaughter Cora Corré has hit out at the label’s decision to headline Riyadh fashion week, telling the Guardian that the brand’s decisions “do not align with the values or wishes” of the late designer.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, homosexuality is illegal, with the death penalty among the punishments for those found to have engaged in same-sex acts. In addition, LGBTQ+ topics are censored and it is illegal to be trans under Sharia Law, which prohibits what it describes as “cross-dressing”.
Despite this, the Vivienne Westwood label told the Guardian: “Our decision to show in Riyadh is not an endorsement of any government or its policies.
“Rather, we see fashion as a platform for cultural exchange – as a way to encourage dialogue, build understanding and create space for diverse voices to be seen and heard.”
On 29 December, Vivienne Westwood, the grand dame of punk fashion, died, aged 81, in her home in Clapham, south London, surrounded by her family.
Speaking about the upcoming Riyadh fashion week event, Cora Corré told the Guardian: “What I do feel confident in saying and knowing is that (my late grandmother) would feel as if the company does not align with her values or wishes.”
Vivienne Westwood was a hero to many in the LGBTQ+ community. She used queer models for her collections – a 2016 brand campaign featured gay porn star Colby Keller in various states of undress, and in 2018 she cast Drag Race’s Milk for a campaign celebrating New York’s club kids.
The Riyadh show coincides with The Vivienne Foundation, of which Corré is a co-founder, releasing its T-shirt range, with proceeds going partly to LGBTQ+ charities.
When asked by the Guardian, Corré revealed she was unaware that the T-shirt range release coincided with the news about Riyadh fashion week until a friend sent her a message.
Each shirt will cost £150, with all proceeds going to charities supporting LGBTQ+ people or those affected by the climate crisis, conflict zones or homelessness.
Corré previously accused the company’s boss Carlo D’Amario of homophobia, bullying and betraying her grandmother’s legacy. The designer has denied all allegations, but following an independent investigation five allegations against D’Amario were upheld.
Corré resigned from her campaigns manager role at the house in October 2024. In a letter sent to staff, seen by The Times, she called for the removal of D’Amario, she wrote that she was “deeply unhappy with the way the company was being run”, adding that she wished the company were “managed in a way that respected her values”.
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