16 October 2023 , 12:52
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A guest who brought in their Vivienne Westwood collection to the Antiques Roadshow for valuation has insisted that they will never part ways with the items – despite being informed of its worth.
Expert Claire Tole-Moir was tasked with looking at the items of clothing from the late fashion designer who passed away last year. The guest, who is also a huge fan of the designer was also wearing items from her collection – as his coat was from the last collection that Dame Vivienne had worked on. Viewers were shown items from Vivienne's pirate collection from the eighties including pirate shirts, scarves, hats and boots.
The Antiques Roadshow guest is an avid fan of the late fashion designer (BBC)The Birmingham born guest explained that he would travel to London by coach and purchase particular items from her collection after saving up for them for weeks. Claire spent time looking at all the items the guest had brought with him, and it was at this point that she revealed its true worth.
She told the guest: "In terms of value if you were to take all of this to auction, I wouldn’t be surprised if you would get around £10,000 to £15,000." As part of his collection was a Harris Tweed jacket from 1987, which Claire explained was based on "uniforms worn at private school."
On hearing the staggering valuation, which generated gasps of disbelief from the crowd that had gathered around him, the guest told Claire: "It’s not going to auction, because I still wear it." However, Claire did not appear shocked at his response and praised him for keeping the clothes in good condition. Claire, who is one the newest experts on the show added: "You have kept it all in great condition, and you have had a lot of fun wearing it, and I think that’s what it was created for."
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Antiques Roadshow expert Claire informed her guest of the eye-watering valuation (BBC)The guest then continued to say: "It was never dressing up, it was just getting dressed." Dame Vivienne passed away last year aged 81, surrounded by her family at her home in Clapham, south London. Her fashion house released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter that said: "29th December 2022. Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London. The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better." The cause of her death was not disclosed at the time.
And attached to the tweet was a quote from Dame Vivienne, which read: "Tao spiritual system. There was never more need to the Tao today. Tao gives you a feeling that you belong to the cosmos and gives purpose to your life; it gives you such a sense of identity and strength to know you're living the life you can live and therefore ought to be living: make full use of your character and full use of your life on earth."
Added at the bottom of the quote was simply: "Vivienne, we love you." Tributes for the fashion designer poured in, with Emmerdake actress Lisa Riley writing: "Queen Vivienne Westwood…..you will light up heaven with your endless energy, you will never be forgotten….uniqueness at its all time BEST!!! Rest In Peace Be yourself even in heaven #rip #viviennewestwood #queen #fashion #icon."