Fashion icon Vivienne Westwood, known for her rebellious and provocative designs, sadly passed away on Thursday at the age of 81. Westwood became synonymous with the punk rock movement of the 1970s and continued to push boundaries as an unapologetically political designer throughout her career.
Her fashion house announced her passing on Twitter, stating, “Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London. The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better.” She was not only known for her incredible designs but also for her activism. Westwood championed causes such as climate change, pollution, and her support for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. She often incorporated these causes into her runway presentations, using protest T-shirts and banners to make a powerful statement.
Known for her attention-grabbing stunts, Westwood dressed up as then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher for a magazine cover in 1989 and drove a white tank near the country home of former British leader David Cameron to protest against fracking. Despite her rebellious nature, she was honored by Queen Elizabeth in 1992 and was awarded the Order of the British Empire medal. True to form, she shocked photographers by showing up to Buckingham Palace without underwear, highlighting her aversion to conformity.
With her distinctive orange or white hair, Westwood rose to fame in the 1970s London punk scene, dressing the iconic band Sex Pistols. Alongside their manager, Malcolm McLaren, she defied the prevailing hippie trends of the time by creating rock’n’roll-inspired clothing. The duo’s shop on London’s King’s Road became a hotbed for punk fashion, featuring torn outfits adorned with chains, latex and fetish pieces, and provocative prints.
Westwood’s design philosophy revolved around challenging conformity. She once stated, “The only reason I am in fashion is to destroy the word ‘conformity’. Nothing is interesting to me unless it’s got that element.” She was dedicated to sustainability and environmental consciousness, emphasizing recycling and urging consumers to “choose well” and “buy less.”
Born in 1941 during a time of post-war rationing in Glossop, England, Westwood’s resourceful upbringing influenced her work. She started her career as a teacher but eventually met art student McLaren, who became her partner both romantically and professionally, leading them to hold their first catwalk show in 1981. This show introduced a “new romantic” look characterized by African-style patterns, buccaneer trousers, and sashes. Westwood continued to incorporate historical elements into her designs, with corsets, Harris Tweed suits, and taffeta ballgowns becoming trademarks of her style.
One of Westwood’s most iconic collections was the 1985 “Mini-Crini” collection, which showcased her innovative short puffed skirt and more fitted silhouette. Her sky-high platform shoes gained worldwide attention in 1993 when supermodel Naomi Campbell famously stumbled on the catwalk wearing them. Westwood’s designs are known for their storytelling, identity, and purpose. Her garments continue to captivate and inspire as they convey a narrative.
In the 1990s, the Westwood brand reached new heights with runway shows in Paris and the opening of stores worldwide. Westwood met her second husband, Andreas Kronthaler, while teaching fashion in Vienna, and he later became her creative partner. Throughout her career, she used her platform to advocate for nuclear disarmament, protest anti-terrorism laws, and shed light on government spending policies that marginalized the impoverished.
Westwood’s commitment to activism was evident in her appearances, such as her large “climate revolution” banner at the 2012 Paralympics closing ceremony in London. She frequently transformed her models into eco-warriors, using fashion as a medium to challenge the status quo.
Vivienne Westwood leaves behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazing designer who pushed the boundaries of fashion and used her platform to advocate for change. Her impact on the industry will continue to resonate, as her designs and activism inspire generations to challenge the norm and create a more inclusive and conscious world.
Useful links:
– Vivienne Westwood Official Website
– Vivienne Westwood on Vogue
