Vivienne Westwood’s next goal is the Hong Kong stock exchange

The listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange within two or three years, the in-house development of fragrances and make-up with a launch scheduled for February 2025, the organization of master’s degrees branded in fashion schools, as well as development projects in hospitality. And, last but not least, a comeback at the Milan fashion week in 2025. These are the future plans of Vivienne Westwood, anticipated to MFF by the ceo Carlo D’Amario. Projects that attest to the brand's positive momentum. Since the founder’s passing in December 2022, the creative director Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne Westwood’s spouse, has been fundamental in preserving the brand’s legacy.

One example of this is the brand’s participation in Shanghai fashion week, where it will parade its spring-summer 2025 collection on Thursday, October 17, at the Xintiandi main venue, following its Paris show. The maison, which will return to the city for the first time since spring 2012, will put its signature on the final day of the fashion week in the Chinese metropolis. The ceo, Carlo D’Amario, explained to MFF the future projects, confirming that the turnover of 250 million euros will be achieved by 2025.

Andreas Kronthaler said he wants to return to Milan with menswear. Do you confirm?

Of course, we want to go back to Italy because it is our country; we are half Italian. We produce here, and we are strongly linked to Milan and Italy. The return to the Milan fashion week should be scheduled for June 2025 with menswear. That’s why we only walked with womenswear in Paris.

What are the company’s future plans?

We start by looking to the very young, who represent not just our future clientele but also the future of the market. Regarding the purely commercial aspect, we have taken steps to ensure a democratic offer that includes products that young people can actually purchase. The clamor generated by the brand's fashion shows indicates that the 18–28/30 age group is the most interested in fashion.

And how do you plan to approach young people, besides with products?

We are planning to open Vivienne Westwood masters in fashion schools to train students. And build a future for the brand.

Any brand extension in sight?

We are about to launch fragrances and makeup, produced in-house. The debut is scheduled for February. We are very strong in China, where the fragrance market is growing at a rapid pace. We are also planning to enter hospitality. The latter is an area where many brands are growing.

You just mentioned China. How is the Asian market going for you?

Great, it’s growing at an incredible pace. We sell a lot of jewelry, especially leather chokers. They are produced in Asia by the same companies that many luxury brands turn to, but our cost is on average 150 euros (and the traveling exhibition will be dedicated to the jewels that on December 14 will start from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, New Zealand, ndr.).

Latest turnover of the brand?

We are around 250 million euros, and we are planning for growth even further.

What is the next step? Are you getting proposals?

We aim to be listed on the stock exchange within two or three years. It will be in Hong Kong, considering our strength in Asia. (All rights reserved)