Dame Vivienne Westwood DBE RDI

I had the honour of meeting Vivenne Westward on two occasions. Once many years ago in London, and more recently when I organised a showcase of Fernando Montana, who is a friend and an outstandingly talented ballet dancer. I had met Carl Davis, the world-famous composer, back in early 2003 when he became a client of mine and I mentioned that over a lunch Fern had expressed how he would love to dance to a piece of his music. When I told Carl he thought it was a magnificent idea, so I set about sourcing a venue. 

Dame Vivienne Westwood c. 1980s

I spoke with the sadly now late Jimmy Thomas, a truly wonderful man, and suit client about the showcase potentially happening at the Hippodrome. I had invited Jimmy along to several events to see another friend Zeeteah Massiah sing, who he absolutely loved. I met Jimmy shortly before he and Simon took over the Hippodrome and remember it was only supposed to be £20m investment to get the site into shape. It was fascinating seeing the restoration process during visits, and he later shared with me just how much was spent bringing what had been the Stringfellows emporium and Talk of the Town back to life. Suffice to say it went over budget, but what was created was truly magnificent, a casino over five floors with a restaurant serving 'the best steak in town’, housed in one of London’s most iconic buildings and locations in Soho. During the refurbishment, they found programs and artefacts from days-gone-by, which Jimmy had framed and are now on display - so many incredible pieces of entertainment history respectfully and beautifully preserved.

Vivienne was such a great supporter of Fern, championing him since his arrival in the UK, and he always talked about her so fondly, his fairy godmother. Naturally she and Andreas were on the guest-list, and it would be in aid of the charity Fern and Vivienne supported. Jimmy thought it was a wonderful idea and agreed to the event going ahead - a private soirée to showcase Fern’s dancing to Carl’s music.

I was able to have a wonderful conversation with Vivienne after the show, which I treasure, and she thanked me for bringing this event to life and for my support of Fern. She was so incredibly humble, and although I reminded her of our first meeting, Vivienne chose instead to show great interest in Perfectly Attired and congratulate me for the self-belief of my clothing business.

I invited my godfather’s wife Pauline, who is a huge supporter of ballet, and she was thrilled to be able to meet Vivienne, Carl and Jimmy, while Fern wrote her a beautiful message with signed autograph after the show! They, along with everyone else, enjoyed it immensely and the experience will remain with me forever and Carl said how touched he had been by Fern’s interpretation of his music. A truly magical evening of classical music and ballet, delivered in a venue steeped in history - but not necessarily the venue most would consider as a suitable backdrop, but there is an area on the first floor for private events and it worked perfectly. Jimmy was a true legend and said how very special it had been to meet Vivienne and Carl and watch Fernando’s performance.

Legacy lives on, my love for clothing was encouraged by Vivienne at our first meeting, and the impact she had on fashion and the arts as well as her passion for environmental and humanitarian issues have been honoured in recognition of all she accomplished and influenced.

This memory is one I just wanted to share as I feel incredibly privileged to have met her.