What the Vivienne Westwood Logo Really Means

Table of Contents

• 1. The Origin of the Logo
• 2. The Royal Influence
• 3. Why the Saturn Rings?
• 4. Punk Meets Aristocracy
• 5. Fashion Uses of the Logo
• 6. What the Logo Represents
• 7. Customer Perception & Legacy
• References
• Images Sources

1. The Origin of the Logo

Vivienne Westwood didn't just pick a random royal-looking symbol.

Her logo is based on the Sovereign's Orb, a real object used in the coronation of British monarchs.

Think gold, pearls, gemstones, and a cross on top.

It's as royal as it gets.

Back in 1986, Westwood took this centuries-old symbol and flipped it on its head (metaphorically).

She added a twist — literally — by surrounding it with Saturn-style rings, blending old-school British regalia with a sci-fi edge.

This mix wasn't just for looks.

It was a statement.

Westwood was all about questioning tradition while still being fascinated by it.

So, this orb?

It wasn't just bling — it was loaded with meaning.

2. The Royal Influence

The logo's main star — the orb — is steeped in royal history.

It's part of the British Crown Jewels and has been used in coronations for centuries.

the cross on top even symbolizes the monarch's divine right and duty to uphold the faith.

but Vivienne wasn't trying to be religious here.

She loved British history, monarchy, and pageantry.

she saw power in those symbols and wanted to use that power to say something bold.

She treated the orb like a crown for her brand — a kind of personal crest.

Not in a "bow down to me" way, but in a "watch me shake up the system" kind of way.

3. Why the Saturn Rings?

This is where it gets fun.

The rings around the orb — which totally give off Saturn vibes — aren't just decorative.

They're a futuristic twist added to show that this logo isn't stuck in the past.

It's a visual way of saying, "Yeah, I see tradition, but I'm taking it forward."

The rings can mean a few things — orbit, motion, innovation, even rebellion.

They balance out the seriousness of the orb with a wink at the unexpected.

They make the whole thing feel timeless.

Like it could belong to the past, the future, or somewhere in between.

4. Punk Meets Aristocracy

One of the coolest things about the Westwood logo is how it smashes punk and aristocracy into one neat little symbol.

that orb?

fancy.

The rings?

radical.

Vivienne Westwood herself was a major figure in the punk fashion movement, so naturally her logo had to reflect that.

it's not just about looking classy — its about flipping classy on its head.

That's why the logo works so well.

It walks a line between rebellion and respect.

It's both a salute and a middle finger, depending on how you look at it.

this blend of elements makes it perfect for people who dont wanna follow fashion rules but still love fashion.

5. Fashion Uses of the Logo

you'll find the Vivienne Westwood orb everywhere — on clothes, accessories, shoes, bags, and especially jewelry.

it's kind of like a badge for fans of the brand.

and its not just for show — for a lot of people, wearing the orb means you're into the whole vibe of the brand.

you get the royal-punk aesthetic.

you're part of the westwood tribe.

Sometime the logo shows up without the rings for a simpler version.

Still elegant, still edgy, just a little more subtle.

• necklaces and earrings

• Handbags and wallets

• clothing tags and embroidery

• Watch faces and belt buckles

• shoe designs and box labels

6. What the Logo Represents

Let's break down what this little logo actually means.

It's got layers.

First, it stands for power and justice — those are the original meanings of the sovereign's orb.

But with the rings added, it also means looking ahead, not just back.

It reflects Vivienne westwood's whole philosophy: tradition with a twist.

She respected history, but she wasn't afraid to challenge it.

it's a symbol of confidence.

Not just fashion confidence, but the confidence to think differently, to be loud, to question stuff.

and yeah, its super stylish too.

7. Customer Perception & Legacy

ask most fans of the brand what they think of the logo, and they won't say "oh, its a religious symbol." they'll say its cool, rebellious, and iconic.

The cross doesnt really come off as spiritual to most people — its just part of the design.

it's more about heritage than anything holy.

and the orb's impact goes way beyond clothes.

it's a global fashion symbol now — recognizable in Tokyo, london, LA, wherever.

Even if someone doesnt know the full story, they know it means something bold.

this logo helped build Vivienne Westwood's identity.

it's not just a symbol; its a legacy.

So there youve it — 66 facts packed into the story of one of fashion's most famous logos.

Vivienne Westwood's orb isnt just a pretty design.

It's royalty, rebellion, history, and punk energy all wrapped up in one brilliant emblem.

whether you wear it, admire it, or just learned about it, theres no denying the power of this little logo.

It's proof that tradition and future dont have to be opposites — they can be part of the same outfit.

Sources and References

• The British Crown Jewels Official Site

• Vivienne Westwood Brand Archives

• Interviews with Vivienne Westwood (via Vogue & The Guardian)

• Fashion history blogs and publications

• Museum of London: Fashion & Identity Collection

Images Sources and Attributions

All images used within this page have been sourced from popular Instagram posts. If your image has been included here and you want attribution, then reach out to us.