Vivienne Westwood Handbag Guide

Vivienne Westwood Handbags Guide

The Definitive Resource

Written by: Chris O’Dea, OD’s Designer Clothing
Published:
Last updated:
Reading time: 15 minutes

Quick Navigation

  1. 1. The Vivienne Westwood Story
  2. 2. The OD’s Collection
  3. 3. The Orb
  4. 4. Handbag Collections
  5. 5. Purses & Small Leather Goods
  6. 6. Scarves
  7. 7. Materials, Production & Ethical Programmes
  8. 8. Authentication Guide
  9. 9. Care, Storage & Aftercare

Introduction: Why Vivienne Westwood Matters

Vivienne Westwood handbags sit at a rare intersection: British cultural history, deliberate symbolism, and wearable design built around a recognisable brand code. These accessories are often the most accessible entry point into the Westwood world—carrying the Orb, tartan references, and the brand’s signature tension between tradition and provocation.

This guide is a reference resource for understanding the brand behind the handbags and purses we stock at OD’s Designer Clothing: where the design language comes from, how the core collections differ, what authentic construction looks like, and how to care for the materials so the product performs long-term.

1. The Vivienne Westwood Story

Vivienne Westwood became globally influential by turning subculture into design language—then fusing it with British tailoring, historical reference, and distinctive brand symbolism that later carried into accessories and leather goods.

The Early Years (1941–1970)

Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood (née Swire) was born on 8 April 1941 in Tintwistle, Derbyshire. She later moved to Harrow in northwest London and studied at the Harrow School of Art before training as a primary school teacher. She married Derek Westwood in 1962 and kept his surname after their divorce in 1966.

King’s Road and the Punk Era (1971–1980)

Westwood’s cultural impact accelerated through her partnership with Malcolm McLaren. They opened a boutique at 430 King’s Road, Chelsea, in 1971. The store evolved through multiple names—Let It Rock, Too Fast To Live, Too Young To Die, SEX, Seditionaries, and finally World’s End—mirroring the design direction of the time and helping define the visual identity of punk through clothing and styling.

The work was not accidental shock: the construction, graphics, and styling formed an intentional rejection of conformity. That logic—coded symbolism, recognisable signatures, and controlled provocation—later became a repeatable “brand language” that translated cleanly into accessories.

From Catwalk to Fashion House (1981–2010)

In 1981, Westwood presented her first catwalk show, Pirates, marking a transition from subcultural provocation to formal fashion design with historical reference. Through the 1980s she developed signature ideas—reinterpreting historic dress, adapting British fabrics, and formalising iconography. The Orb logo arrived in 1987 and became the most recognisable marker across product categories.

In the 1990s, the house consolidated into a major British fashion institution, with Westwood winning British Designer of the Year and later receiving national honours. Andreas Kronthaler entered the business in the early 1990s, becoming her long-term collaborator and later her husband.

Later Years (2010–2022)

In her later career, Westwood became known not only for fashion but for public campaigning and activism. She continued to promote slow-fashion principles and the idea of durability over disposable consumption. Vivienne Westwood died on 29 December 2022, aged 81, surrounded by family in Clapham, South London. The brand continues under Andreas Kronthaler’s creative direction.

2. The OD’s Collection

OD’s stocks Vivienne Westwood accessories that express the brand’s core codes—Orb hardware, tartan references, structured silhouettes, and distinctive finishing—across handbags, purses, and scarves.

Accessories are often the most practical way to own authentic Westwood design because they compress the brand language into everyday objects: a crossbody, a zip purse, a tote, or a scarf. The result is wearable identity without relying on runway pieces.

Product Categories at OD’s

  • Handbags: crossbody bags, shoulder bags, totes, and structured top-handle styles
  • Purses: zip-around wallets, continental purses, card holders, and coin purses
  • Scarves: silk scarves, wool scarves, and printed designs featuring Orb and tartan motifs

3. The Orb

The Orb is the brand’s primary identifier: a single symbol that combines heritage reference with a deliberate “future-facing” visual signature, appearing repeatedly across handbags and small leather goods.

The Design

Introduced in 1987, the Orb combines three visual elements:

  • The Sovereign’s Orb: reference to British royal regalia
  • Saturn’s rings: a cosmic encircling element that changes the meaning of the regalia reference
  • The cross: a traditional crown element completing the silhouette

How the Orb Appears on Accessories

On handbags and purses, the Orb is typically applied as metal hardware, embossed detailing, lining pattern, or as a focal clasp. The execution is intentionally prominent: the brand treats the Orb as a signature stamp rather than a background decoration.

4. Handbag Collections

Vivienne Westwood handbag collections share consistent brand codes while differing in surface, silhouette, and statement level—ranging from understated structured leather to tartan-led pieces with unmistakable visual presence.

Derby Collection

The Derby line is a versatile everyday offering built around structured shapes and saffiano-textured surfaces. Orb application is typically restrained and clean.

  • Saffiano leather with crosshatch texture
  • Clean, structured silhouettes
  • Multiple sizes from compact crossbody to larger tote formats
  • Often available in classic tones and seasonal colours

Best for: everyday use, professional settings, and customers who want a quieter Westwood signature.

Balmoral Collection

Balmoral pieces emphasise tartan heritage references, typically built with fabric-led bodies and leather trim, using Orb hardware to keep the identity unmistakable.

  • MacAndreas tartan reference (Westwood’s registered tartan)
  • Leather trim and metal Orb hardware
  • Traditional bag formats with bold surface identity

Best for: statement wearers, tartan-led styling, and customers who want immediate recognisability.

Yasmine Collection

Yasmine is archive-linked and recognisable for a more architectural, structured presence. It connects contemporary wearers to Westwood’s historic design vocabulary while remaining functional.

  • Structured, architectural construction
  • Prominent Orb hardware used as a focal point
  • Strong collector appeal while still wearable day-to-day

Best for: Westwood devotees, archive styling, and customers who value fashion history as part of the purchase.

Granny Frame Collection

Granny Frame styles reference classic metal-frame handbag construction and often sit as a compact evening or occasion option with strong vintage cues.

  • Metal frame closure formats
  • Compact, elegant silhouettes
  • Orb hardware frequently featured in clasp or plaque form

Best for: evening wear, vintage-led outfits, and customers who prefer compact carry.

5. Purses & Small Leather Goods

Vivienne Westwood purses compress the same brand markers as the handbags—Orb placement, structured finishing, and consistent material handling—into functional formats designed for daily use.

Zip-Around Wallets

Full-size zip wallets built around secure closure, card organisation, and compartment structure. Orb branding often appears as embossing or zip pull hardware.

Continental Purses

Flap-led formats with press-stud or clasp fastening, typically with a more traditional silhouette and structured interior organisation.

Card Holders

Slim minimalist formats designed for pocket carry, usually with 4–6 card slots and a central notes pocket.

Coin Purses

Compact formats designed for coins and small essentials, typically with zip or frame closure, often using Orb hardware for identity emphasis.

6. Scarves

Vivienne Westwood scarves express the brand through print and pattern—Orb motifs, tartan references, and historical imagery—making them wearable graphics as much as functional winter or styling pieces.

Silk Scarves

Silk scarves are the most graphic and design-led, typically using vibrant print work and fine drape. Common formats include small squares, large squares, and oblong silhouettes for styling flexibility.

  • Small square (approx. 45cm x 45cm): neck tie, bag accessory, hair wrap
  • Large square (approx. 90cm x 90cm): shoulder drape, headscarf styling
  • Oblong formats: multi-wrap and winter styling options

Wool Scarves

Wool scarves typically lean into tartan and winter-weight practicality. MacAndreas tartan appears frequently, tying the product back to Westwood’s heritage reference system.

Common Print Codes

  • Orb: repeated patterns, single focal motifs, or subtle placements
  • Tartan: MacAndreas and other Westwood tartan references
  • Historical imagery: references drawn from period portraiture and classic design language
  • Messaging: protest and cultural statements expressed through wearable print

7. Materials, Production & Ethical Programmes

Westwood accessories use repeatable material standards—textured leathers, smooth finishes, and durable hardware—alongside documented ethical programmes that have existed long enough to matter beyond marketing cycles.

Common Materials in Accessories

  • Saffiano leather: crosshatch texture designed for durability and scratch resistance
  • Smooth leather: classic finish that can develop a natural patina with use
  • Vegan leather: non-leather alternatives used across select lines
  • Hardware: metal components with varied plating finishes (commonly gold, silver, gunmetal)
  • Linings: logo-printed fabric or patterned linings that often incorporate Orb motifs

Ethical Fashion Initiative Partnership

Since 2011, Vivienne Westwood has partnered with the International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative, producing the Made In Kenya collection through artisan production in Nairobi’s informal settlements. The programme is associated with fair-wage skilled work, traceable production, and recycled material use within the project’s product scope.

Durability Principle

Westwood’s best-known consumer guidance—buy less, choose well, make it last—maps cleanly onto accessories when the product is treated as a long-life item: shape retention, closure reliability, and surface durability matter more than seasonal novelty.

8. Authentication Guide

Authentication is a construction test: genuine Westwood accessories show consistent finishing quality, crisp Orb detailing, reliable hardware feel, and correct label typography—counterfeits usually fail on weight, alignment, or precision.

Handbag Authentication Checks

  • Stitching: even spacing, tight execution, no loose threads
  • Hardware: weighty feel, clean finishing, crisp Orb detailing
  • Lining: quality fabric and consistent print alignment; blurred or crooked printing is a common failure
  • Material feel: real materials show natural variation; “plastic uniformity” is a counterfeit red flag
  • Labels: heat-stamped interior labels with consistent typography and clean edges
  • Orb precision: counterfeit Orbs often lose definition in the rings and fine lines

Purse Authentication Checks

  • Zip quality: smooth action without catching; branded pulls are executed cleanly
  • Edges: card slot edges and interior finishing should be clean and consistent
  • Internal layout: organisation should match the expected format for the style (slots, coin section, closure type)

Scarf Authentication Checks

  • Fabric quality: silk should drape naturally with a refined lustre; synthetics often feel stiff
  • Print edges: sharp outlines and controlled colour application; bleeding suggests poor reproduction
  • Hem finish: premium silk often uses hand-rolled hems; wool commonly uses machine stitching
  • Labels: care and brand tags should be positioned consistently and finished cleanly

OD’s Authentication Position

OD’s Designer Clothing sources through official UK distribution channels as an authorised retailer. That means authenticity is established at source and supported by retailer accountability.

9. Care, Storage & Aftercare

Good care is mostly prevention: avoid shape distortion, protect hardware finishes, store correctly, and use gentle surface cleaning matched to the material—this preserves both appearance and long-term function.

Handbag Care: Daily Use

  • Avoid overfilling: excess load strains seams and distorts structure
  • Rotate usage: alternating bags reduces concentrated wear patterns
  • Protect from elements: avoid prolonged rain exposure, direct sun, and extreme heat

Handbag Care: Cleaning Principles

  • Saffiano finishes: wipe with a slightly damp cloth; avoid harsh products
  • Smooth finishes: use appropriate leather cleaners sparingly; conditioning is a periodic maintenance step
  • Hardware: wipe with a soft, dry cloth; avoid contact with perfume, hand cream, and cleaning chemicals

Storage Principles

  • Store stuffed with acid-free tissue to maintain shape
  • Use a dust bag and keep away from direct sunlight
  • Store upright where possible; avoid stacking heavy items on top
  • Avoid plastic storage for leather to allow the material to breathe

Purse & Wallet Care

  • Avoid sustained pressure that warps shape
  • Do not overstuff card slots; stretching can become permanent
  • Match cleaning method to material finish as above

Scarf Care Principles

  • Silk: dry clean recommended; avoid perfume, deodorant, and makeup contact
  • Wool: dry clean recommended; if hand-washed, use cold water and reshape to dry flat

Aftercare Position

If you discover a manufacturing issue at point of sale, retailer support is most effective when the product is assessed early and the condition is documented. Keeping packaging and proof of purchase improves resolution speed and clarity.

OD’s Retailer Context

OD’s Designer Clothing is a bricks-and-mortar retailer as well as an online store. That matters for accessories: you can check scale, weight, surface finish, strap length, and closure feel before committing. We also provide practical aftercare guidance based on handling the products in-store, not generic call-centre scripts.

Store Details

OD’s Designer Clothing
44 Barrow Street, St Helens
Open: Mon–Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Email: info@odsdesignerclothing.co.uk

Links

Internal Links

  1. Shop Vivienne Westwood Bags
  2. OD’s Complete Care Guide
  3. OD’s Size Guide
  4. Contact OD’s Customer Service

Editorial Integrity

This guide is written and reviewed by Chris O’Dea and reflects retailer handling experience alongside documented brand history and programme references. It is maintained on a scheduled review cycle to keep brand context, programme references, and care guidance current.

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