Vivienne Westwood has spent many hours studying the costumes and paintings in
the V&A. Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood's early Pirate collection
of 1983 was based on an engraving of a pirate, while she found a pattern for
18th century men's breeches in the museum's National Art Library which became
the 'Pirate' trouser. Much of her work is rooted in English tailoring and, using
traditional techniques as a starting point, she has devised innovative solutions
to the puzzle-like complexities of cutting and piercing fabric. She is intrigued
by the 18th century 'sack back' style, with its pleated train which falls from
the shoulders, and has interpreted this in many collections, for both evening
and day wear.
