Vivienne Westwood, known as “the high priestess of punk” and the “Queen to Extreme,” was a British fashion designer who left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Her recent passing at the age of eighty-one has left a void in the industry.
Born in Derbyshire, England, on April 8, 1941, Westwood’s love for fashion was nurtured in her childhood home. Her parents’ influence, her mother being a weaver and her father a cobbler, set her on the path of creative self-expression. By her teenage years, she was already designing her own clothing.
In the 1970s, Westwood married Malcolm McLaren, the manager of the punk rock band Sex Pistols. Together, they created the iconic punk rock look that still reverberates today. Her contributions to the movement established her as a leading figure in the fashion world.
Throughout her career, Westwood garnered a loyal following, counting curvy icons like Nigella Lawson and Marion Cotillard among her biggest fans. Her designs were eclectic, ranging from bondage wear to tartan plaids. One of her most famous designs featured an image of Queen Elizabeth with a pierced lip adorned with a safety pin. Her work even made it to the silver screen in the 2008 film “Sex and The City.”
In 1992, Westwood found love again and married Andreas Kronthaler, a man twenty-five years her junior. They became a formidable duo, collaborating as co-designers for her ready-to-wear line in 2016.
Beyond her contributions to fashion, Westwood was a staunch environmentalist and advocate for quality over quantity. She was known for her slogan, “What’s good for the planet is good for the economy.” Her activism extended beyond fashion, making her an inspiration to many.
The world mourns the loss of this fashion icon. With tributes pouring in from famous friends like Victoria Beckham and Marc Jacobs, it is clear that Vivienne Westwood’s legacy will live on. She will always be remembered as a pioneer, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Rest in peace, Vivienne Westwood.
