Vivienne Westwood was a British fashion designer who is known for her avant-garde, punk-inspired fashion designs. She was born Vivienne Isabel Swire on April 8, 1941, in Glossop, Derbyshire, England.
Westwood’s fashion career began in the 1970s, when she and her then-partner, Malcolm McLaren, opened a clothing store called Let It Rock in London. The store, which later changed its name to Sex, became a hub for the emerging punk movement in the UK. Westwood and McLaren designed clothing and accessories that were heavily influenced by the punk aesthetic, and they became known for their use of safety pins, studs, and other unconventional materials in their designs.
In the 1980s, Westwood’s designs became more mainstream, and she began showing her collections at Paris Fashion Week. She became known for her corsets, which were a nod to her punk roots, as well as for her use of historical motifs and references in her clothing.
Westwood has been recognised for her contributions to the fashion industry, and has received numerous awards, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1992 and the Queen’s Award for Export in 1990. Her brand continues to design and show her collections today, and is considered one of the most influential and respected figures in the fashion world. Vivienne Westwood’s instagram account announced her death.
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Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London.
Vivienne continued to do the things she loved, up until the last moment, designing, working on her art, writing her book, and changing the world for the better. She led an amazing life. Her innovation and impact over the last 60 years has been immense and will continue into the future.
Vivienne considered herself a Taoist. She wrote, “Tao spiritual system. There was never more need for the Tao today. Tao gives you a feeling that you belong to the cosmos and gives purpose to your life; it gives you such a sense of identity and strength to know you’re living the life you can live and therefore ought to be living: make full use of your character and full use of your life on earth.”
The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better.”
