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PARIS - Designer Vivienne Westwood used her spring-summer 2008 fashion show yesterday to rail against a plan by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to increase the number of days terror suspects can be held without charge.
She called the collection "56" after the proposal to hold people for 56 days and some of the models were wrapped in drapes bearing that number.
The outspoken 66-year-old, who has kept her edge since her bondage-inspired creations for the Sex Pistols, also accused Brown of behaving like a tyrant and said he should go.
"56 days is not going to protect us from terrorism," she told reporters after the show.
"We need protection from our tyrants, we need people in front of the law."
Under the proposal, made by Brown in July, the detention time would be increased from the existing 28 days.
Westwood said she would not vote for Brown's Labour Party if, as is speculated, he calls a general election.
"I'll be voting against him definitely, anything to get him out," she said. "He has to go."
Westwood's show, in a room in the Louvre art museum, featured hooded capes, PVC dresses, padded hips and bustiers.
She has long been considered an "enfant terrible" of the fashion industry, and along with other quirky designers, is considered important in giving fashion its cutting edge.
But her designs also have a faithful following among shoppers. The front-row was graced with stars such as singer Kanye West, but also buyers from major stores including Britain's Liberty, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Harrods.
"We just always expect very strong, striking pieces because for me Vivienne Westwood appeals to a strong, powerful yet very feminine woman which makes women feel like women," said Caroline Greer, the head of buying at Liberty.
"We know that we can get very strong, powerful looks and they've got a very strong customer following...Her pieces have an absolute timeless appeal so you can take them out year after year and they always fit."
Liberty stocks her menswear, accessories and the labels Anglomania, Red Label, and Gold Label.
- REUTERS
