How fashion hopefuls are ‘exploited by Westwood’

SHE styles herself as a champion of equality and an eco-warrior.

But Dame Vivienne Westwood stands accused of exploiting fashion hopefuls by using interns.

It is alleged her design company saves around £360,000 a year by using unpaid volunteers instead of salaried workers.

The fashion house created by the 76-year- old, who is worth an estimated £50million, sells dresses for up to £1,405.

Last month, the vocal Left- winger (pictured) told London Fashion Week Men’s: ‘I use fashion as a vehicle for activism to stop climate change and mass extinction of life.’

But one former intern has claimed the brand relies on getting people desperate to break into the fashion world to ‘bend over backwards’ for them at no cost.

The woman claimed around 19 interns are taken on for three or six-month contracts throughout the year, typically working five days a week from 10am to 6pm. On her placement, she did ‘ pattern cutting, sewing, making draft garments, errands and helped out on shoots’. The woman, who did not wish to be named added: ‘It’s a big name to have on your CV. Fashion is cut- throat. You need good references. You don’t want to have your name sullied so you’ll bend over backwards for them.’

The ex-intern said she did not meet anybody who did not rely on their parents for money and her placement cost around £2,500 in rent and food alone.

‘I felt exploited working so hard for a big company like Vivienne Westwood for free. They know how much a name like theirs can help your career which allows them to take advantage of you,’ she added.

If the company employed 19 design assistants on the typical annual salary of £19,000, it would cost £361,000 a year.

The ex-intern, who now works in fashion, feared her placement would have been cut short if she not worked 10 to 6 each day or at weekends when asked.

A company spokesman rejected the claims. He said: ‘Our voluntary experiences last for a short period and volunteers do not have set hours they are required to attend. We are helping young people from diverse backgrounds to secure industry knowledge and insights.’