Item 2018.77 - Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren Witches Raincoat and belt

Identity area

Reference code

2018.77

Title

Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren Witches Raincoat and belt

Date(s)

  • Autumn/Winter 1983 (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

1

Context area

Name of creator

Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren

Administrative history

Repository

Westminster Menswear Archive

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Scope and content

Dark blue unisex trenchcoat is exaggeratedly-cut and simply made from rectangles of waterproofed cotton. It has a modular construction with curved pointed seams echoing the Witches theme. It features smock pleating on both sides secured with a tab and the back has a pleated vent. It has three belt loops across the back and sides (none at the front) and a cotton belt with four lines of topstitching that is attached at the centre back belt loop. The coat does not feature any other centre front fastening. The back has a curved pointed loose storm flap and a curved flap on the front right. It has large curved welt pockets and curved lapels. It is unlined.
Country of Design: England
Country of Manufacture: England

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      Physical characteristics and technical requirements

      Label: Worlds End. Mclaren Westwood. Born in England. Copyright design.
      Care Labels: SPONGE TO CLEAN / 100% Cotton / Shower Resistant

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      Note

      The title Witches derived from McLaren’s copy of Jean Kerboull’s 1978 book Voodoo And Magic Practices. The central figures decorated by Haring and printed across the collection were appropriated by McLaren and proposed to Haring from W. Johnson’s illustrations of folk devils on the cover of Folkways’ 1958 LP, Dances Of The Worlds’ Peoples.

      For the story of the creation of the Witches collection and the collaboration with Keith Haring read here: http://www.paulgormanis.com/?p=18009

      Note

      Displayed in exhibition Style in Revolt, October 2021 - March 2022

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