013: Structured Rebellion & Styling Politics
The Relief of Not Wanting Stuff + Volume with Structure + The Queen of Punk + Styling Politics
Cover Credits: Soliana/LA Models; photo and collage, @amyluxox.
Happy April 1st, fashion lovers and friends,
Spring is here—the season of fresh starts and new beginnings. While things can feel heavy, I’m training myself to look for the light. It feels like the only way to move through times like these, and thankfully, spring makes that a little easier.
Here in LA, the weather is warm (hot, even), the hills are vividly green, and the trees are beginning to bloom. Yay for flowers.
On a fashion note, stores are finally stocked with fresh styles. I’ve always hated that awkward end-of-winter, not-yet-spring in-between phase—it’s fashion chaos and completely uninspiring. I’m happy to report we’re on the other side of it.
Lately, while sourcing for clients (and, let’s be honest, for myself), I’ve noticed a strong mix of influences:
’90s tailoring—pleated trousers, blazers, crisp button-downs (thank you, Netflix’s Love Story, and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy).
A touch of the 1920s—fringe, silk with lace, long, linear silhouettes (perhaps that 100-year cycle at play).
And the early return of the ’80s (New Wave style)—volume, exaggeration, and bold expression: vibrant color, pattern mixing, oversized leather jackets, dramatically wide trousers, and statement prints.
It feels like a shift is happening. After seasons of restraint and simplicity, fashion is ready to loosen up, get louder, and embrace personality again. When things feel too clean and controlled, a little rebellion is inevitable. Everything moves in cycles.
All the shopping, pulling, and browsing I do isn’t just for work—it feeds my fashion soul (and, admittedly, my fashion addiction). The upside? I’m prepared for any occasion. The downside? A never-ending wishlist.
But I’ve realized something recently—I love when I don’t like something. When a trend doesn’t suit me, or a piece falls flat, it’s actually a relief. It’s clarity. One less thing to want.
These days, my inbox is filled with campaigns and shopping links, but there’s something exciting about knowing: none of it is for me, not much of it anyways.
Current trends saving me money:
Floor-length skirts and ultra-wide trousers (only with major heels—and even then, not really-I am short).
Butter yellow (makes me look unwell).
Cropped tops and low-rise bottoms (no thank you).
Athletic-meets-high-fashion (high-heeled sneakers… I can’t).
Muted florals and drab paisleys (too somber).
Drop waists (just not my shape).
The truth is, I believe in wearing what makes you feel your best—and I give that same advice to my clients. When you feel like yourself, you look your best. Trendy or not.
One of the reasons I love styling is that I get to explore trends I admire—even if they don’t work for me personally. This month, I’m leaning into a New Wave ’80s energy: volume, prints, and a hint of pirate romance.
This renewed love of volume brought me back to one of my forever icons, Vivienne Westwood—the Queen of Punk. A visionary, a risk-taker, and an activist. She showed us that fashion can be expression, protest, and power. That why you stand up matters more than how you stand up and for some people, style is the how.
We all have a voice. Now is a good time to use it.
On that note, I watched a documentary on Red Hot Chili Peppers last night, and it stayed with me. Beyond the music—which shaped so much of my teenage years—it was their authenticity that struck me most. Lifelong friends, creatively bonded, unapologetically themselves. That, to me, is the essence of punk.
This month, I styled Soliana with that spirit in mind—structured rebellion: volume paired with structured lingerie elements, finished with a touch of punk. A little homage to Vivienne, and a nod to what feels like the beginning of a more rebellious fashion moment.
For Lu’s List, I curated pieces inspired by her world—bold, expressive, and unapologetic.
Celebrating punk energy.
Embracing personal power.
Speaking up.
Being fully, authentically yourself—
That’s where the magic is.
Sending you love and style,
amyluxox
P.S. Happy April- wishing you and yours an incredible month. 🌱
Soliana: Structured Rebellion
Credits: Soliana/LA Models; photo, styling and collage, @amyluxox.
For April’s shoot, I took inspiration from the New Wave energy that defined so much of the ’80s, combined with Vivienne Westwood and her iconic Pirate collection.
Think major volume paired with corsetry. Voluminous silhouettes can be incredibly flattering when balanced with something tailored or a hint of skin—it’s always about proportion and contrast.
The Queen of Punk: Vivienne Westwood
Credits (left to right):
Vivienne Westwood and punks girls in London. ©Fairchild Archive/Penske Media
Runway look from Vivienne Westwood’s 1981 Pirate show. ©David Corio/Getty Images
Vivienne Westwood speaking with Sid Vicious in 1976. ©Ian Dickson/Getty Images
Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren ©News Group Newspapers
SEX boutique at 430 Kings Road in London. ©Mirrorpix
Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood in 1977. ©Diana W P Thomas
Vivienne Westwood wasn’t just a clothing designer—she helped shape a cultural movement. Emerging in 1970s London, she used fashion as a form of rebellion, challenging societal norms and redefining what it meant to dress with intention. Punk, as she envisioned it, wasn’t about chaos for the sake of it—it was about questioning authority, rejecting conformity, and creating your own visual language. Her work gave people permission to stand apart, to be seen, and to express something deeper than trends.
At the heart of this movement was her legendary boutique, SEX, which she ran with Malcolm McLaren. It was a cultural hub—a place where fashion, music, and attitude collided. The clothing was provocative, subversive, and confrontational, reflecting the raw energy of the emerging punk scene. It wasn’t about fitting in; it was about disrupting expectations and sparking conversation.
What made Westwood truly revolutionary was her unwavering commitment to individuality. She encouraged people to think critically, dress boldly, and reject passive consumption. Punk, in her world, became a vehicle for self-expression—an assertion of identity in a society that often rewards sameness. Her legacy is not just in the silhouettes she created, but in the mindset she inspired: be curious, be fearless, and above all, be unapologetically yourself. I think we could all use a healthy dose of that energy right now.
Shiny in Punk
Credits:
FKA Twigs in Vintage Vivienne Westwood at Sundance Film Festival, 2019.
©Dia Dipasupil, Getty Images.
Bella Hadid in Vivienne Westwood, 2019. ©AKGS
Paris Jackson in Vivienne Westwood, 2026. ©Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images.
Dua Lipa in A Vivienne Westwood Corset, NYC, 2019, ©Raymond Hall/Getty Images.
Kate Moss in Vivienne Westwood pirate boots, 2016. ©Getty Images.
Collage,@amyluxox.
Celebrities have long been drawn to Vivienne Westwood’s designs for her fearless, boundary-pushing looks that blend punk attitude with high fashion. From red carpets to street-style, stars have embraced her corsets, dramatic silhouettes, and statement patterns, using her pieces to make bold statements. Her work allows people to inhabit a persona—edgy, unapologetic, and individual— in a way that’s both theatrical and always very now.
Lu’s List: Pretty Punk Spirit
Credits by look (left to right):
Vivienne Westwood Sunday Top ($660), available at viviennewestwood.com. The Sunday Top is a bold, sculptural piece that blends Vivienne Westwood’s signature punk-inspired tailoring with effortless wearability, making it a statement for both street style and editorial looks. This would also look amazing with denim, dress-shorts or leggings.
Vivienne Westwood Lauren Trousers ($925), available at viviennewestwood.com. These trousers combine sharp tailoring with a relaxed silhouette that embodies Westwood’s signature style.
Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boots ($1100), available at viviennewestwood.com. The Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boots are an absolute classic. These dramatic, statement-making boots fuse historical pirate-inspired design with punk attitude. These boots are always a good idea.
Tolu Coker Corset Top ($825), available at net-a-porter.com. This Corset Top is a figure-flattering piece that blends modern elegance with edgy, architectural tailoring. It’s perfect for pairing with voluminous trousers and skirts.
L’Agence Chelsy Wide-Leg Pant ($525), available at lagence.com. These wide leg pants are timeless and elegant, a perfect juxtaposition to the edgy top it’s paired with here.
Isabel Marant Edrik Suede Ankle Boots ($1650), available at net-a-porter.com. Isabel Marant is the best at pushing boundaries and taking styles to their absolute edge while still keeping them totally wearable. These ankle booties featuring perforated leather, an ultra-slouchy silhouette, and a barely-there kitten heel—they are fashion perfection.
Venroy Draped Silk Corset Top ($220), available at venroy.com. Full disclosure: I have never purchased anything from this brand but I came across this when googling. This top is gorgeous and looks flattering. It’s sculptural yet compact, and gives a draped illusion that looks high-end. Bonus: it’s also available in white.
H&M Dress Pants ($44.99), available at hm.com. You gotta love H&M for their prices. These flowy pants have a high waist, self-belt and cropped length, perfect to accentuate scrunchy suede boots.
Steve Madden Lexen Taupe Suede ($179.95), available at stevemadden.com. These suede boots look like the real 1980’s deal. They’d look amazing paired with light-blue skinny denim or a black leather mini skirt and sheer tights. They also come in black suede.
In general, I gravitate toward looks that are both wearable and flattering. When I’m styling editorial, there’s obviously more room to play—there are no rules. It’s all about creating art, building a fabulous look, and capturing a magical moment.
When I’m styling for the real world, however, I consider not just how an outfit looks, but how it feels to wear. Can you walk, breathe, sit down, and get stuff done? Comfort and functionality are just as important as style.
Here are three Vivienne Westwood–inspired streetwear looks that balance her signature rebellious energy with real-world wearability—volume, structure, and a touch of punk, all styled for real-life.
T-Shirts: Turning Fashion Into Activism
Credits (From Left to Right):
Vivienne Westwood & Malcom McLaren Sex T-Shirt, 1975
Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren “You’re Gonna Wake Up One Morning” T-Shirt, 1976
Vivienne Westwood, Malcolm McLaren, and Jamie Reid “God Save The Queen” T-Shirt, 1977
Jamie Reid, God Save The Queen, 1977. Screen print, source Artsy.
Seditionaries Shop assistant, Debbie Juvenile, 1977. Photographer unknown, source CBS News.
Jamie Reid, God Save The Queen, 1977. Lithograph, source MOMA.
Vivienne Westwood punk rock t-shirts, (including the legendary God Save the Queendesign), transformed the humble t-shirt into a powerful medium of political expression. With provocative slogans, bold graphics, and irreverent imagery, these tees challenged authority and critiqued societal norms, turning fashion into activism. Wearing one wasn’t just a style choice—it was a statement, a way to assert individuality, question the status quo, and let clothing speak for your beliefs.
Lu’s List: T-Shirts
Simkhai Abelia Embellished T-Shirt ($495), available at bergdorfgoodman.com. A lesson in elevated bedazzling-I love this top! It would look cute with grey denim and red leather heels or grey pleated trousers and white pumps.
Alice and Olivia Micah Muscle Tank ($225), available at aliceandolivia.com. Alice and Olivia’s fun take on the Vivienne Westwood classic T-Shirt. Pair it with black leather trousers and scrunchy suede boots or jeans, a blazer and white converse.
TEEPUBLIC Make Punk Great Again T-Shirt ($16), available at teepublic.com. Yup.
Erroaesthetic Punk is Political T-Shirt ($20.45), available at etsy.com. Punk IS Political, straight to the point.
Simeon Farrar God Save The Queen T-Shirt ($170), available at wolfandbadger.com. A thoughtfully curated design in a very 80’s palette.
AOFR Punk Rock Resist T-Shirt ($31.30), available at etsy.com. A bold message on a muted tone.
Lulala: What I’ve Been Up Too This Month
Credits From Left To Right:
Yin Yoga Teacher Training at Black Dog Yoga
I love this studio so much, and Sigrid is one of my favorite teachers ever. I decided to take this training to add a new layer to my toolbox—and because I was genuinely curious about Yin Yoga. I’ve always leaned toward flow and Hatha, so it was a shift to focus on allowing and stillness rather than go-go flowing. Sometimes the greatest lessons really are found in stillness.
Champagne Waterfall
I’ve always wanted to do a proper champagne waterfall but haven’t quite made it happen yet… so this was my makeshift, slightly Vegas-inspired version for a girls’ trip. A little sparkle to balance out all the zen.
Lulala with a Touch of New Wave
I don’t really have punk DNA in my bones. I can style it on others but I’ve always been drawn to pretty, feminine things for myself—not to say the two can’t coexist, it’s just never been my instinct. I once had an epic girl boss when I worked on Carnaby Street in the ’90s—she was a proper punk: wild, colorful hair, leather, studs, fishnets, a multitude of piercings. Completely outlandish in the best way, and absolutely stunning. She wore it all with a kind of confidence I never quite had.
Still, with punk, Vivienne Westwood, and New Wave on my mind, I tried to weave in subtle nods. The off-the-shoulder tee is from the original Reformation shop on the Lower East Side, paired with acid-wash Retrofête jeans. I threw on an Alo Yoga sweatsuit with a trench, then added red Celine boots—it all together gives a bit of 1983 energy. The all-black look was my uniform for years as a stylist. This lace tee is 3.1 Phillip Lim from a few seasons ago. And with British Vogue recently declaring skinny jeans “back,”YAY—they never left in my eyes.
Potential Sunglasses
These sunglasses are by GIGI Studios. I tried them on while picking up my prescription glasses and instantly loved them—but I’m still debating. Realistically, I wear my black pair on repeat, so these might end up just sitting pretty on a shelf.
Presently Reading
I’m currently reading The Covenant of Water. It’s a slow, intentional read—partly because the writing is so intricate I don’t want to miss a word, and partly because it’s incredibly moving. I seem to cry at the end of every chapter. It also makes me long to return to India—it’s been far too long.
Canadian Girls Rock
My daughter dressed up for Cultural Day at school, bringing maple cookies and singing the national anthem. I love Canada—always will.
Statement Tees
The No Kings March #3 was the largest in American history. In the spirit of the iconic God Save the Queen T-shirt by Vivienne Westwood, I included a few standout tees with political messages—reminders that fashion has always had the power to say something.
A Reminder
Thinkers are sexy! Having an opinion is sexy. Speaking up for what matters is sexy. The best fashion advice ever-buy less and choose wisely. Quality over quantity every time. Use your medium (whatever that may be for you), to create the change you wish to see in your world.
For Vivienne Westwood, clothing was never purely about aesthetics—it was a vehicle for activism, critique, and conversation. Whether through provocative punk designs, politically charged t-shirts, or daring runway statements, she leveraged fashion’s visibility to address social, environmental, and cultural issues, proving that style can be both beautiful and profoundly meaningful.