DESIGN THERAPY: Vivienne Westwood Wallpaper

This isn't exactly hot off the press, but is fairly new on my radar. Vivienne Westwood, the Grande Dame of British fashion has paired up with the classically British wallpaper company Cole & Son, to create her own Collection of wall coverings.

Although often scene as avant garde and anarchic, Westwood has always shown an intense understanding and love for traditional heritage of British fashion and design. She reflects historical references in much of her work and often takes inspiration from studies of historical periods such as with Queen Elizabeth I.

True to form, this collection encapsulates her passion for historic patterns, images and styles that are then given Westwood's own take with meticulous and gorgeous effect. I believe it is a great credit to her, that she has so successfully expanded her fashion house to include accessible items for everyone, whether it is with her perfume, jewellery or now wallpaper. She has kept her integrity, flair and absolute individuality in all of her work. This is haute couture for interior decorating.

This collection is based on iconic designs from her own fashion collections such as the S/S 07 "I am Expensiv" collection and the A/W 81 Pirate collection.

Designs such as "Vivienne's Lace" (above) were hand drawn by Westwood using her own signature to create a design reminiscent of lace.

Tartan, a strong theme in her collections through the years, has been set on the bias and given an injection of fresh new colour combinations.

"Shirting" was inspired by the shirt cloth synonymous with the British tradition for fine tailoring and used for City gentleman's shirts and can be seen used in Westwood's previous work.

“It is good when my ideas get carried over into other artistic media. This collection is a perfect opportunity to be able to work with a heritage company like Cole & Son and to see my ideas from fashion translated into the world of interiors and wallpaper” Vivienne Westwood

Feast your eyes on these gorgeously romantic room sets showcasing some of the Vivienne Westwood for Cole & Son collection that I am lucky enough to get to share with you. The simplicity of the furnishings enhances the wallpaper designs perfectly.

"Cut-Out Lace" taken from the S/S 07 "I am Expensiv" Collection, inspired by a small piece off antique lace.

"Squiggle" first seen in the A/W 81 "Pirate" Collection.

"Magnolia" was inspired by a paper cut-out design which was then used to create a print for fabric used in Westwood's fashion work.

The piece that epitomises Westwood's style is the iconic British image, the "Union Jack" created as a wall panel, in a weather beaten design that reflects the inspiration for this piece being a salvaged flag taken from a ship. What an incredible piece!

I am a strong believer in statement wallpaper and I would jump at the chance to have Vivienne Westwood decorate my walls.

(Images courtesy of Cole & Son)