This evening, I accidentally stumbled upon a Fashion Television special on Bravo called "Vivienne Westwood's London." I didn't think much of it at first, but it turned out to be one of the most inspiring programs I've watched in a long time. I've always loved the designer, but after watching her hour long special, my love for her has gone through the roof.
Vivienne and former husband, Malcolm McLaren
I had initially expected the show to be about Vivienne and her contributions to the fashion industry - was I ever wrong. The show features the Queen of Punk herself showing viewers her favourite things to do and places to visit in London, England, with a very strong emphasis on the importance of culture.
"Spend time, look. You may not have another chance. You will be another person tomorrow."
She takes the viewers to a number of galleries, a London Symphony Orchestra rehearsal, the Hampton Court Palace (former home of King Henry VIII), marketplaces, Electric Avenue (the first electrically-lit street), Chelsea, Brixton, and the store where her career took off - World's End, to name a few.
Vivienne outside World's End
When walking through galleries, she would stop and spend time talking about and looking deeply into each painting. She even knew much of the history behind each of them and her enthusiasm towards them was so inspiring. It was truly amazing to see Vivienne talking so highly of other artists of the past when she herself is such a significant person of our time.
Vivienne's favourite painting in the world
The Death of Actaeon, Titian, 1559-1575
Throughout the tour, she would describe the feelings and the senses you would experience if you were there with her, which drew me in even more.
"Watching an orchestra live instead of listening to a recording is like doing it compared to watching porn. It's just not as good."
What I liked most overall about the program was her emphasis on culture and how we are severely lacking an interest in culture today. I completely agree with her and believe that it's rather unfortunate that Toronto is such a young city because history is so inspiring.
"In the pursuit of art, you will discover the genius of the human race and you will start to understand the world you live in and it will give you purpose in life."
Anyway, I could go on and on about how much I loved this show. For my fingers' sake and your time's sake, all I will say is you should try to catch it on television yourself. I hope you like it as much as I do!
"You get out what you put in."
ps: I realize how poorly written this is, but I'm sick and my head's in a fog. Forgive me!
