Founded by the "High Priestess of Punk" Vivienne Westwood and now led by her husband Andreas Kronthaler, the brand is a global symbol of rebellion, historical subversion, and environmental activism. It is defined by its "DIY" ethos, merging 18th-century corsetry and Savile Row tailoring with an anarchic, punk-inspired edge.

The brand's identity is rooted in the belief that fashion is a platform for political and social change. It is one of the few luxury houses that explicitly discourages mindless consumerism, famously advocating for people to "Buy Less, Choose Well, Make it Last".

Presented in Milan (the brand's first standalone men's show since 2017), the SS26 collection was themed "Dandy Meets Granny".