Vivienne Westwood Backs Scottish Independence at London Fashion Week

Now that New York Fashion Week has ended, London Fashion Week is in full swing. Over the weekend, Vivienne Westwood showed a collection that looks like the wardrobe of a school play about pirates that’s been half-foraged from a lost and found. But it has a political message: by affixing “YES” pins to several of the looks, she made it clear that she supports Scottish independence.

She also distributed a statement to attendees that clearly laid out her intention: “Scottish Independence could be a great day for Democracy,” it read. “They already have a more democratic financial system, eg no tuition fees, and they care more for people. They just wouldn’t do what we’re doing in England … In England there is hardly any democracy left. The government does what it wants. That which should belong to people – it gives it all to business.”

“I hate England,” she added after the show. “I like Scotland because somehow I think they are better than we are. They are more democratic.”

While the political message was a significant statement, the clothes were far from it — the show, for the most part, was typical Westwood fare, featuring dramatic makeup and costumey clothing with a whimsical sensibility. Behold the collection below: