Andreas Kronthaler Reclaims The Rhythm For Vivienne Westwood FW26
A cinematic tribute to heritage and the art of sensible rebellion.
Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood continues to redefine the house’s radical legacy with “Catch the Rhythm,” a Fall/Winter 2026 collection that feels like a deeply personal diary entry. The Paris Fashion Week showcase anchored itself in the designer’s Austrian roots while maintaining the irreverent, punk-adjacent spirit that remains the heartbeat of the Westwood brand. Plus, the FROW included Lola Young and Chappell Roan, two rebellious women we just know Westwood would have loved.
The collection’s narrative arc is shaped by three distinct pillars of inspiration. Kronthaler first looks to the cinematic elegance of Austrian actress Romy Schneider, weaving a thread of European heritage throughout the lineup. This is sharpened by the influence of Italian costume designer Danilo Donati, specifically his work on Pasolini’s The Canterbury Tales. By channeling Chaucer’s themes of human pursuit through a lens of humor and grit, the collection manages to feel both historically grounded and entirely modern.
The technical execution this season emphasizes spontaneity over rigid structure. Experimental dresses feature open seams and intentional draping that shifts with the wearer, while smock dresses are energized by trailing ribbons. A provocatively playful edge emerges through the integration of erotic staples—think garter belts, stockings, and bras—paired against “hard candy” accents and Cupid-inspired knitwear. The contrast between these delicate elements and heavy, double-padded shoulders on coats and sweaters creates a silhouette that is both protective and vulnerable.
The sensory experience was rounded out by an original score from Boy George and Kinky Roland, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing connection to London’s musical underground as over the loud speakers you could hear “I was dressed head to toe in Vivienne Westwood” during the final walk.
For more news from Paris Fashion Week, check out our full recap.
