Joseph Corré: British Businessman and Cultural Icon — Vivienne Westwood’s Son Who Revolutionized the Fashion Industry

Introduction

Joseph Corré is a name synonymous with innovation, rebellion, and luxury. As the son of fashion legend Vivienne Westwood and punk icon Malcolm McLaren, Joseph Corré was destined to leave his mark on the fashion world. His journey through the world of business and activism showcases his drive to challenge conventions and push boundaries. Not just a British businessman, Corré’s influence goes far beyond his entrepreneurship, positioning him as a cultural icon in his own right.

In this article, we’ll explore Joseph Corré’s background, career, achievements, and legacy, shedding light on his journey as both a business mogul and political activist.

Quick Bio

Joseph Corré’s Early Life and Influence of His Parents

Joseph Corré was born into a legacy of creativity and revolution. His mother, Vivienne Westwood, is a globally recognized fashion designer who is credited with bringing punk culture to the mainstream. Westwood’s designs challenged the norms of fashion, using bold statements to make a socio-political impact. His father, Malcolm McLaren, was the manager of the iconic punk band Sex Pistols, responsible for shaping the music and cultural landscape of the 1970s.

Growing up in such an influential environment, Corré was exposed to the world of fashion and punk culture from an early age. His parents’ groundbreaking work in both music and fashion set the foundation for his future endeavors, making him not just a businessman, but a figurehead in the evolving cultural landscape.

The Birth of a Businessman: Co-Founding Agent Provocateur

In 1994, Joseph Corré co-founded the luxury lingerie brand Agent Provocateur with his then-wife, Serena Rees. The brand quickly became synonymous with bold, provocative, and high-end lingerie, establishing itself as a dominant force in the fashion world. The brand’s combination of sensuality, luxury, and edgy marketing disrupted the lingerie market, which had traditionally been more reserved.

Agent Provocateur’s rapid rise was fueled by the couple’s innovative vision, creating a space for high-end lingerie that challenged traditional notions of femininity and sexual expression. The brand’s daring designs and controversial advertisements resonated with a broad audience, establishing it as a global luxury brand.

The company’s international success saw boutiques springing up in major cities worldwide, from London to New York to Paris. However, in 2007, after his divorce from Rees, Corré sold the business to the private equity firm 3i for £60 million. The sale marked the end of one chapter in his career but laid the foundation for future ventures.

Political Activism and the Punk Memorabilia Protest

Joseph Corré is not just a businessman—he is also an outspoken political activist. In 2007, he famously rejected the Member of the British Empire (MBE) honor offered to him for his contributions to fashion. His rejection was a statement against the UK government’s actions in the Iraq war and the erosion of civil liberties. This bold move highlighted his desire to stand by his beliefs rather than accept recognition from a system he felt was complicit in global injustices.

One of his most significant acts of activism occurred in 2016 when he staged a highly publicized protest by burning millions of pounds worth of punk memorabilia. Corré, along with his mother Vivienne Westwood, set fire to items such as punk fashion and memorabilia on a barge in the River Thames. This dramatic act was a direct response to what Corré saw as the commercialization and commodification of punk culture. It was a protest not only against the mainstreaming of punk but also a broader critique of consumerism and environmental degradation.

Business Ventures Beyond Agent Provocateur

Following his departure from Agent Provocateur, Joseph Corré focused on several other business ventures, including launching A Child of the Jago, a boutique and fashion brand. This venture reflected his affinity for combining historical references with street culture, much like his earlier work in the fashion industry. Although it did not gain the same global prominence as Agent Provocateur, it was a notable attempt to explore new avenues in fashion.

Additionally, Corré took on leadership roles in several other creative and retail ventures. He was involved with Illamasqua, a British cosmetics brand known for its high-impact makeup lines. His involvement in the growth of Illamasqua allowed him to extend his influence beyond fashion and into the beauty industry.

Joseph Corré’s Legacy in Fashion and Culture

Joseph Corré’s legacy extends far beyond his business success. As the son of Vivienne Westwood, he is part of a family that shaped the punk movement and revolutionized fashion. He has proven that he can carve out his own space in the fashion industry, using his innovative business ventures and outspoken activism to influence public discourse.

Corré’s Agent Provocateur remains a symbol of how one can fuse fashion with bold statements of freedom and sexual liberation. His commitment to pushing boundaries in both his personal and professional life continues to inspire many in the fashion and business worlds.

Conclusion

Joseph Corré is much more than a British businessman; he is a cultural figure whose work in fashion and activism has left a lasting impact. From his role in co‑founding Agent Provocateur to his protests against the commercialization of punk, Corré has proven time and time again that he is not afraid to challenge societal norms and use his platform to make a statement.

His career trajectory, rooted in his punk heritage, offers a unique blend of fashion, rebellion, and entrepreneurial spirit. As the son of Vivienne Westwood, Joseph Corré continues to embody the spirit of innovation and defiance that his parents instilled in him.

FAQs

Q1: What is Joseph Corré’s connection to Vivienne Westwood?

Joseph Corré is the son of Vivienne Westwood, the iconic British fashion designer who revolutionized fashion with her punk-inspired designs.

Q2: Did Joseph Corré always want to be in fashion?

Growing up in a household surrounded by fashion and music, it is likely that Corré was influenced by his parents’ work. His early career in fashion, including co‑founding Agent Provocateur, reflects his strong connection to the industry.

Q3: Why did Joseph Corré reject the MBE?

Joseph Corré rejected the MBE in 2007 as a protest against the British government’s involvement in the Iraq War and the erosion of civil liberties. He chose to stand by his political beliefs rather than accept an honor from the system he opposed.

Q4: What are some of Joseph Corré’s other ventures besides Agent Provocateur?

After Agent Provocateur, Corré went on to launch A Child of the Jago, a boutique that combined historical and street culture. He also worked with the cosmetics brand Illamasqua.