Andreas Kronthaler, Sabina SchrederPhoto: Hoda Davaine
Pamela Anderson, Christina Hendricks, Coco Rocha, Juergen Teller (wearing his signature pink shorts), and a group of Vivienne Westwood models who have been with the brand since the early days came together to celebrate the label’s runway show in the distinctly Parisian restaurant, Au Passage. Earlier that day, Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne Westwood’s partner in life and work, presented his second collection for the brand since Westwood’s passing, at Paris Fashion Week, honing in on the iconoclastic staples and personal style of Westwood’s own wardrobe.
The intimate dinner kicked off with cocktails as Kronthaler greeted friends old and new. “I just wanted to always think about the models,” he said. “It is always emotional. For all the shows, I’m quite frightened and it hasn’t changed. And even during these 30 years, it’s just like the first time around. I mentioned this the other day to somebody and they said, ‘Oh, that’s a good sign.’ But I think I’ve done exactly what I wanted and achieved what I wanted because of where I’m at and where we are at as a company and me personally.” Just like the runway collection shown earlier that day, guests were dressed in sky-high platform heels and structured corset dresses, with Anderson opting for a dramatic wool hat and an oversized matching wool skirt suit.
Guests including models Irina Pantaeva and Sibyl Buck and stylist Tati Cotliar dined on a nine-course meal served family style, including tomatoes with capers and cheese, roasted squash, green beans, and Dover sole, with dishes being served late into the night. The celebration brought together many of the storied brand’s collaborators, from photographers to makeup artists to the models who have brought the brand to life over the years. “I think it’s a celebration of Vivienne and me,” said Kronthaler, of the second inaugural dinner at the restaurant, which is one of his favorite spots in Paris.
As the night came to a close over chocolate sorbet and cheese, friends mingled between the bar, tables, and the narrow alleyway outside with glasses of orange wine in hand. “I sometimes think a split second about what’s next—but I have to see where it’s going to take me,” Kronthaler concluded.