Andreas Kronthaler

Andreas Kronthaler is an Austrian fashion designer and the Creative Director of Vivienne Westwood. Having been the longtime design partner and husband of the late Dame Vivienne Westwood, he has played a fundamental role in the brand’s creative output since they met in 1988. In 2016, his significant contributions were formally acknowledged when the house’s main line was renamed ‘Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood’.

Kronthaler’s work is deeply integrated with the house’s heritage of activism and historical subversion. Following the death of Westwood in 2022, he has continued to lead the brand, ensuring the preservation of its radical spirit while introducing his own technical precision and unique creative perspective to the collections.

The design philosophy is driven by a commitment to subtraction, seeking to reach the essence of a garment through a process of refinement. This contrasts with the traditionally layered approach of the house, yet it maintains a deep engagement with historical references, particularly 18th-century corsetry and tailoring. The work frequently incorporates the designer’s training as a goldsmith, resulting in a focus on precision and the theatrical quality of the construction.

Activism remains a central pillar of the creative process, where the choice of materials and the narrative of the collections are used to communicate social and environmental messages. There is a persistent emphasis on authenticity and the importance of learning from history to create something new. By balancing the house’s legacy of rebellion with a rigorous, technical standard, the aesthetic ensures that the brand remains a provocative and intellectually stimulating presence in fashion.