Vivienne Westwood x Gary Hume 'The Accordion' Zip-Around Wallet/Clutch in Black Smooth Leather
Long Zip-Around Wallet (Clutch Pouch) · Vivienne Westwood (Independent British Luxury Brand) in collaboration with artist Gary Hume. Known for avant-garde, punk-influenced high-fashion aesthetics.
Collection: Vivienne Westwood x Gary Hume Collaboration, Spring/Summer 2002 Collection. This was a limited-edition artist series.
Style
Long Zip-Around Wallet (Clutch Pouch)
Brand
Vivienne Westwood (Independent British Luxury Brand) in collaboration with artist Gary Hume. Known for avant-garde, punk-influenced high-fashion aesthetics.
Material
Premium smooth box calfskin leather. The construction features a semi-rigid frame with machine-stitched periphery and heat-transferred or screen-printed line art. The edges are burnished and painted with a matte black finish.
Dimensions
Width: 20cm (7.8"), Height: 11cm (4.3"), Depth: 2.5cm (1"). Large enough to be carried as a slim handheld clutch.
Description
A rare collector's piece, this zip-around clutch merges Westood's punk heritage with Gary Hume’s minimalist fine art. The smooth black leather provides a stark, high-contrast canvas for the white graphic lines. It is a functional accessory that serves as a piece of wearable art, reflecting the intellectual and artistic rebellion of the early 2000s London fashion scene.
Key Features
Distinctive Gary Hume 'Deer' line art; Vivienne Westwood Orb branding (internal); full metal zip-around design; high-contrast monochromatic color palette; specific collaborative branding inside.
Material & Construction
Premium smooth box calfskin leather. The construction features a semi-rigid frame with machine-stitched periphery and heat-transferred or screen-printed line art. The edges are burnished and painted with a matte black finish.
Color & Pattern
Black leather featuring a white screen-printed line illustration. The art is based on Gary Hume's minimalist aesthetic, specifically depicting a stylized deer/animal graphic from his series.
Hardware Details
Silver-tone high-polish steel or brass. Specifics include a full-circumference metal zipper and a Vivienne Westwood Orb embossed zipper pull.
Interior Description
Lined in black smooth leather and jacquard fabric. Usually contains 8-12 card slots, two large bill compartments, and a central zippered coin pouch. Gold or silver heat-stamped brand logo and Gary Hume artist credit signature.
Closure Type
Full three-sided zip-around closure for maximum security.
Strap & Handle Details
None; this is a handheld accessory designed as a large wallet or slim clutch.
Craftsmanship Details
Features tight, consistent machine stitching and precisely hand-painted edges. The screen printing is applied with high-flexibility ink to prevent premature peeling on the leather surface.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the screen print; quality of the silver-tone zipper movement; high-stitch-count per inch; heat-stamped 'Vivienne Westwood' and 'Gary Hume' naming inside with correct brand font.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy. Produced in leather ateliers known for handling Vivienne Westwood's high-end accessories line, adhering to luxury standards.
Era & Period
Early 2000s (circa 2002). This represents the 'Art-Fashion' crossover era where high-end designers collaborated with Young British Artists (YBAs).
Age Estimate
Produced circa 2001-2002. Identified by the specific collaboration cycle and the use of the Gary Hume line art which was central to the SS02 runway themes.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of the London art scene and the punk fashion establishment. It highlights Westwood’s commitment to supporting British artists and integrating contemporary culture into her design ethos.
Condition Notes
Exterior: Good condition with minor surface scuffs and light creasing typical of box calf leather. Hardware: Some light scratching on the zipper. Interior: Generally clean but may show minor indentation from card slots. Structure: Excellent. Grade: Very Good (Vintage).
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is driven by its rarity as a 20-year-old collaboration piece rather than just the brand name alone.
Care & Maintenance
Use a specialized leather balm to prevent the smooth calfskin from cracking. Avoid abrasive cleaning on the white print to prevent fading. Store in its original dust bag away from direct sunlight to preserve the black dye and white print contrast.
Similar Handbags
Prada Comic Print Wallets (modern alternative), Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse Graffitti (contemporary art collaboration), or the standard Vivienne Westwood Saffiano Orb wallets.
Interesting Facts
Gary Hume is a prominent member of the Young British Artists (YBAs). This collaboration was part of a larger project where his artwork was featured on apparel, knitwear, and accessories for Westwood's collections.