Kronthaler stirs theatrical drama into Vivienne Westwood’s autumn wardrobe

A patterned wrap dress in burgundy and blush tones unfolds across the frame, its asymmetric hem cutting through diagonals of layered organza. The fabric carries the fingerprints of Kronthaler’s theatrical instinct, dressed here with the kind of intimate provocation that belongs entirely to this season. The look builds from lingerie sensibilities, strappy details emerging beneath a structured bodice, then sprawls into billowing skirts of pure, translucent drama.

Kronthaler is celebrating 21 years at the helm of Vivienne Westwood, continuing to push the house’s theatrical spirit further with each season. The Autumn Winter 2026/27 collection drew its emotional force from three distinct sources. The first was Austrian screen legend Romy Schneider, whose heritage mirrors Kronthaler’s own, followed by the lavish costume sensibilities of Italian designer Danilo Donati. Rounding out the trio is erotic underwear, injecting the collection with a subtle yet persistent sensual charge.

The look visible here embodies that fusion. Checkered pattern, gingham tradition, sits layered beneath the draping. White knee high boots ground the composition against sandy earth, whilst above, a sculptural headpiece frames the silhouette in austere geometry. The entire tableau reads as cinema frozen in fabric, the kind of fashion that doesn’t simply dress the body but tells a story upon it. Kronthaler titled his 21st outing for Vivienne Westwood “Catch the Rhythm! Let’s Go!,” a phrase pulled from Westwood’s own notebooks and repurposed as a kind of instruction to himself.

Imagery courtesy of Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood (@viviennewestwood).