Vivienne Westwood / Malcolm McLaren Seditionaries Yellow "Anarchist Scum" Dress 1976-77

Before her designs ever graced the catwalks at London Fashion Week, Vivienne Westwood was first and foremost a punk. In 1971, Westwood and her husband Malcolm McLaren opened their landmark boutique at 430 King’s Road in London’s Chelsea. There is no punk style without Westwood and McLaren–– at the boutique, which was known variously through the years as Paradise Garage, Let it Rock, Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die, SEX, Seditionaries, and World’s End, the duo codified the foundations of punk style and music. From 1976 to 1980, the boutique traded under the name “Seditionaries: Clothes for Heroes,” known for its offerings with controversial screen-printed designs, including snippets of pornographic text and sexualized graphics of Disney characters. These garments were often worn by members of the Sex Pistols, whom McLaren organized and managed–– Sid Vicious was even a sometime shop clerk. The “Seditionaries” era was a landmark moment in the history of subculture, foundational to Vivienne Westwood’s legacy as the architect of punk style.

Yellow cotton eyelet babydoll dress, printed with "Anarchist Scum" and suggestive text. Zip closure at back. Late 1970s.

Label: Malcolm McLaren / Vivienne Westwood / Seditionaries / Personal Collection
Size: Not Listed
Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Approximate Measurements:
Chest: 34"
Shoulders: 32"
Length from Center Back Neckline: 27"

This lot is located in Chicago.

Condition:

The overall condition is very good. Small thread pulls scattered throughout. Ink fading at brand label.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

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Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Tanner Branson

Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Luxury Handbags & Couture

[email protected]312 280 1212

Tanner Branson joined Freeman’s in 2022 where he provides streamlined services for couture clients evaluating and appraising luxury handbags and luxury goods. Mr. Branson brings over a decade of experience in the luxury market working for brands such as The Row and Brunello Cucinelli. He has also collaborated with celebrity clients to curate personal and public wardrobes and done commercial and editorial styling work for print and digital publications internationally. At Freeman’s Mr. Branson combines his endless passion for fashion history and luxury goods with his educational background. He has a BA in Fashion Business from Columbia College. Mr. Branson is affiliated with various auxiliary boards including the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum. Mr. Branson also appears on the top-rated PBS television program Antiques Roadshow.

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Vivienne Westwood / Malcolm McLaren Seditionaries Yellow "Anarchist Scum" Dress 1976-77

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