“She Spoke the Truth to All of Us”: Lily Cole Reflects on Her Relationship with Fashion Designer Vivienne Westwood.

Setting the scene in a New York hotel room during the spring of 2013, the writer describes staring at a photograph of a young soldier with the word “TRUTH” emblazoned underneath her smile.

The picture is pinned to Vivienne Westwood’s “Climate Revolution” DIY top, resembling a Barbara Kruger design. In the writer’s conversation with Westwood, the fashion designer expresses amazement that nobody recognizes the soldier in the photograph as whistleblower Chelsea Manning. Westwood’s husband, Andreas Kronthaler, the artistic director of their fashion label, is also present during the discussion. The trio talks about the Amazonian wild-rubber dress designed for the writer to wear to the upcoming Met Gala and Chico Mendes, an activist who dedicated his life to protecting the rainforest. Vivienne listens attentively and gestures passionately as she shares her observations.

Later on, Andreas Kronthaler interrupts the conversation, announcing that he’s going downstairs. Vivienne, however, isn’t quite finished relaying Chelsea Manning’s story with immense passion. Her eyes, a striking shade of sea green, are emphasized by the red waves she’s drawn over them. Her fervent gaze exudes a sense of urgency and a yearning for truth, as she has been an advocate for honesty and transparency for many years.

This explains why, in April 2013, Vivienne and Andreas traveled to New York to attend the punk-themed Met Gala, despite the potential contradictions. They accepted Vogue’s invitation with the intention of spreading their messages to a broader audience. Andreas playfully demonstrates to the writer how she might speak to the cameras about the rainforest, emphasizing their commitment to their cause.

Hours later, the trio finds themselves on the red carpet for the Met Gala, facing a swarm of cameras and interviewers. Vivienne masterfully deflects each question posed to her, redirecting the conversation towards her accessory, the photo of Chelsea Manning pinned to her long pink silk coat. Speaking to CNN, she proudly showcases the soldier’s picture and proclaims her unwavering support for Manning. Vivienne is resolute in her message, and this is the only thing she communicates to the press on the night.