Vivienne Westwood, the English fashion designer known as the High Priestess of Punk, has expanded her talents into precious metals and diamonds. The collection debuted in Basel with a gala party held in a tent on the fairgrounds.
The centerpiece of Westwood's first fine-jewelry collection is—what else?—a gold safety pin with a diamond dangle.
"I love the safety pin for its humanity and functionality," says the designer. "A pin is the oldest way to fashion and decorate clothes." As for the diamond dangle, the designer says she's been fascinated by diamonds since childhood.
"When I was 5 years old, I tried on diamond earrings," says Westwood. "I was mesmerized by the effect they have. They're transcendent. I kept taking them on and off. It's amazing what they did for you—light, no light."
During her teenage years, Westwood spent many a Saturday at London's famous flea markets