Buy this shirt: https://teeextra.com/product/official-rami-im-just-a-chill-guy-fr-shirt/ Scene a hotel roomIn New York, one spring morningIn 2013.I’m staring at a photograph of a young soldier with the word TRUTH emblazoned underneath her tentative smileIn white font and a red box like a Barbara Kruger, pinned to Vivienne Westwood’s “Climate Revolution” DIY top. “It’sIncredible no one knows who thisIs. You don’t know who sheIs?” Vivienne asks meIn her soft Derbyshire lilt. She audibly gasps asI shake my head. “It’s amazing. Amazing.I’m here to try and do something about her.” The photograph,I quickly learn,Is of whistleblower Chelsea Manning.By Vivienne’s side now and for more than 30 years of their colorful shared lives stands her husband, Andreas Kronthaler, the dashing, tender artistic director of their fashion label. We discuss the Amazonian wild rubber dress they’ve designed for me to wear to the Met Gala tonight and Chico Mendes, the wild rubber tapping activist who lost his life fighting to protect the rainforest. Vivienne listensIntently, as always, then shares her observations, gesticulating palms out for emphasis. Vivienne Westwood, Andreas Kronthaler and Lily Cole attend the CostumeInstitute Gala for the PUNK: Chaos to Couture exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2013.Larry Busacca/GettyImages
Later, Andreas calls from the doorway, “I’m going downstairs, Vivienne.” “You have to wait for me a minute,” she bats back, with a cheeky smile. She’s mid spiel, relaying with unstoppable passion Manning’s plight, her sea colored eyes afire under the red waves she’s drawn over them. Her gaze