Westwood hits town
Oct 6 2007 by Chloe Griffiths, The Journal
WAGS and followers of fashion stepped out in style last night to welcome the first standalone designer shop in the North-East.
The grande dame of UK fashion Vivienne Westwood today opens the very first designer boutique in the region.
And those who attended last night’s launch party say they hope it will be the first of many.
The shop, in Hood Street, Newcastle, carries the trademark pink neon sign, and while the designer herself could not attend the launch, models bedecked in her avant garde creations were on show.
Waiters handed out champagne and canapes to guests, including Alan Shearer’s wife Lainya, WAGs Boutique star Heather Swan and Big Brother winner Anthony Hutton. The event was also attended by Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper’s wife Lynsey, former Newcastle player Robbie Elliott’s partner Justine and former World Boxing Champion Glenn McCrory’s American other half Miranda.
Heather Swan, the fiance of Sunderland striker Michael Chopra, said: “It’s really nice to finally see a designer store open in Newcastle. I definitely hope its a sign of things to come.” Top Westwood stylist Oscar Pinto Hervia, who has worked for the designer for 15 years, said: “Vivienne leads the way. I think she is quite often the first designer to open a shop and then others follow.”
The shop will stock the designer’s Gold and Red Label, as well as Anglomania.
Oscar and fellow stylist will be on hand to offer fashion consultation between 11am and 5pm today.
