Vivienne Westwood’s orb is once again in focus as attention turns to Vivienne Westwood & Jewelry, a planned 2027 exhibition at V&A Dundee. The show is expected to spotlight the designer’s jewelry and the lasting power of one of the most recognizable symbols in British fashion.
The Highsnobiety column "Artist Uniform," by Chris Erik Thomas, frames the story through the idea that personal style can become part of an artist’s identity. In Westwood’s case, that connection feels especially strong. Her look, and the pieces associated with her name, have long carried meaning beyond clothing alone.
The article suggests that Westwood’s orb has survived well past the era most closely linked with her public image as the British "Godmother of Punk." Rather than remaining a relic of punk, the emblem continued to evolve into a broader fashion signature, appearing as a marker of attitude, design identity, and cultural recognition.
That is part of what makes the Dundee exhibition notable. By giving Westwood’s jewelry and signature motifs dedicated attention, the show points to how accessories can hold the same cultural weight as garments themselves. It also underlines how Westwood’s visual language continues to resonate long after its original rebellious moment.
