Vivienne Westwood, Fashion Designer or Politician?

British designer Vivienne Westwood is one of the most famous fashion gurus of the Industry. Her eclectic and funky style of fashion has made her one of the most sought after people in the industry. However, as designers become established within the industry they tend to become more daring and experiment with ideas that at many times seem unconventional. Also, many of them such as Vivienne try to communicate through their designs in indirect ways such as symbols or wearing certain styles or by communicating directly.

Vivienne Westwood for the Spring/Summer 2006 fashion week in Paris communicated directly her political views of the British government, designing slogan T-shirts expressing her views. Slogans such as: "I am not a terrorist, please don't arrest me" and “Liberty, throw away the key” were displayed throughout the show.

The designer has recently joined the campaign against the British government’s anti-terror laws. In light of the London bombings and the fear of another 9/11 the British government has come up with an anti-terror act. This act gives the police the power to with hold suspects 90 days in jail without charge. The question that arises is that can we give such powers to the police; we all know that they are after all just humans. Would they always use their discretion? Would they abuse their powers? On the other hand, terrorists are known to bend and abuse the laws. If stringent measures are not put in place, how could we put a stop on terror? What do you guys think? Where do you stand on this?