Brand defends decision to show in Saudi Arabia alongside Stella McCartney as ‘a way to encourage dialogue’
Vivienne Westwood’s granddaughter has said her brand’s decisions “do not align with the values or wishes” of the late designer, as it announced it would headline Riyadh fashion week despite Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
The fashion house has defended its decision to show in the Gulf petrostate this week alongside Stella McCartney as “a way to encourage dialogue” and “build understanding” and insisted its presence is not an endorsement of the Saudi regime.
The show falls in the same week as the Vivienne Foundation, set up by Westwood three years before her death in 2022, will release a T-shirt range with proceeds going in part to LGBTQ+ charities. It comes after last week’s condemnation of western comedians for performing in Saudi Arabia.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has described Saudi Arabia’s human rights record as “abysmal” and warned that the nation uses its vast wealth to mask its actions by becoming a key part of sport and culture.
