As the punk wave swept the UK in the early 70’s, the Sex Pistols titled a song ‘No One is Innocent’ and concentrated their lyrics on sin and transgression. Years on, and the old taboos still stand; provocative dress is frowned upon not just by those with picket fences and perfect lawns and a relationship between sex and society is pretty much non-existent.
In the 21st century, sex is understood better in hushed tones - we know it happens and behind closed doors, all hell breaks loose, but its enough to say that after ordering something from Ann Summers you get told at least three times it will be arriving in a ‘discrete package.’ And that’s if you order a bra. It seems to be bad enough for friends to know what your up to, let alone neighbours.
But we do have certain ways of expressing our lusts and passions - showing the world we can be sexy. How we dress is a good way to attract the attention of the male species, and we women have had that art mastered for years. Whether it’s world's tiniest denim hot-pants, the LBD or the ‘enhance your cleavage by two sizes’ bra, we certainly know how to draw the eye.
The strong and sexually confident woman is epitomised by Vivienne Westwood’s new Autumn/Winter 2011 range. Whilst it is no secret that Vivienne Westwood often encompasses transgressive themes, after all it was her who was chosen to dress the iconic Sex Pistols in '76, her new designs step away from saving society and towards something a little closer to home: satisfying the individual.
On top of the strong cuts and bold colours, the models strode the catwalk with primitive and wild make-up and hair. Instead of the neutral look placed on a pedestal by many in 2010, black stripes and a heavy ‘eye mask’ was applied, bearing close resemblance to tribal markings. There were no more flowers or hats to transform an outfit, but helmets instead to fully highlight the empowered women status: everything centred around power. And power is sexy, however you swing it.
The buckle ankle seditionary boot or leopard print jersey jacket are perfect examples of androgynous, powerful wear: dominating and mischievous, bearing the marks of bondage but worn with the right thing, sophisticated and professional. Whilst the skin tight leggings show off the feature guys love most, the oversize knits create the allure of innocence. Good girl gone bad? I think so.
It seems to be no different now than it was 40 years ago: back then Westwood was synonymous with the new wave of punk - a genre which pushed the boundaries and questioned societies values. Now, many awards later, she does it again. It's time to rediscover the gingham dress and outrageously small buckled belt. Lets hope it sweeps the nation - a little bit more va va voom can’t really hurt.
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