BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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The Vivienne Westwood FW26 campaign has arrived, bringing together British punk, Italian craftsmanship, and timeless elegance in one of the brand’s most striking visual stories to date.
Photographed by longtime collaborator Juergen Teller alongside Dovile Drizyte, the campaign unfolds inside the historic Belloni furniture showroom in Barlassina, Italy. Under the creative direction of Andreas Kronthaler, the collection explores the contrast between centuries-old interiors and Vivienne Westwood’s unmistakable spirit of rebellion.
From richly decorated rooms to eclectic casting and sculptural tailoring, here is everything that makes the campaign stand out.
Belloni’s Historic Italian Showroom
Shooting a Winter Campaign in 41°C Heat
Punk Tailoring Meets Classical Interiors
Furniture Becomes Part of the Story
FW26’s Standout Looks
An Eclectic Cast
Ilona “Cicciolina” Staller’s Appearance
Campaign Overview
Final Thoughts
The Vivienne Westwood FW26 campaign was photographed inside Belloni, a family-run Italian furniture manufacturer with more than 150 years of history.
Filled with handcrafted furnishings, ornate woodwork, and classical interiors, the showroom creates a dramatic backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the collection’s rebellious attitude.
Rather than overwhelming the clothes, the historic setting highlights the craftsmanship shared between fashion and furniture making.
Despite presenting Fall/Winter fashion, the campaign was photographed during an intense Italian summer, with temperatures reaching 41°C (105°F).
The extreme conditions added another layer to the production, yet Teller’s signature documentary style captures the cast with an effortless calm that makes the final imagery feel authentic rather than overly polished.
One of the campaign’s strongest themes is contrast.
Kronthaler places Vivienne Westwood’s distinctive tailoring—defined by asymmetric cuts, exaggerated proportions, and deconstructed silhouettes—inside grand Italian salons filled with antique furniture and ornate décor. The result feels like a modern punk takeover of a historic aristocratic home.
Rather than serving as simple background decoration, Belloni’s handcrafted furniture becomes an active part of the campaign.
Models pose across Rococo-inspired seating, Art Deco cabinets, elaborate wallpaper, and gilded interiors, allowing each image to resemble a carefully composed portrait. This dialogue between clothing and craftsmanship reinforces the campaign’s appreciation for heritage while maintaining Vivienne Westwood’s rebellious identity.
The collection balances traditional tailoring with unexpected styling details. Key highlights include:
Structured Harris Tweed coats layered over corseted knitwear.
Felted wool tailoring interrupted by bold flashes of color.
Draped dresses paired with exposed stockings.
Rich textures including tweed, wool, knits, and velvet.
Sculptural silhouettes that combine romance with utility.
The result is a wardrobe that feels unmistakably Vivienne Westwood while continuing Andreas Kronthaler’s evolving vision for the house.
Continuing the brand’s long-standing approach to casting, the campaign features a diverse mix of professional models and street-cast talent.
Their individuality complements Teller’s natural photographic style, giving the images an honest, lived-in quality rather than a highly polished commercial finish.
One of the campaign’s most talked-about moments is the inclusion of Italian cultural icon Ilona “Cicciolina” Staller.
Known as an actress, singer, politician, and enduring symbol of unconventional glamour, Staller perfectly embodies the fearless attitude that has defined Vivienne Westwood for decades. Her presence bridges Italian cultural history with the house’s signature spirit of nonconformity.
The Vivienne Westwood FW26 campaign demonstrates how Andreas Kronthaler continues to evolve the house while staying true to its rebellious roots.
By placing punk-inspired tailoring inside one of Italy’s most historic furniture showrooms, the campaign creates a compelling dialogue between heritage, craftsmanship, and modern fashion.
Rather than relying on spectacle alone, it celebrates individuality, artistry, and the enduring power of clothing to challenge convention.
