Master of Fashion Dame Vivienne Westwood Passes Away

Dec 29

“You have to go faster than the system.” - Vivienne Westwood

One of the world’s greatest, finest and every adjective under the sun that denotes praise, has left us. Dame Vivienne Westwood died peacefully today (December 29th 2022) while surrounded by her family in London.

Born in Chesire, Northern England, in 1941 Vivienne rose to fame during the 1970s with her controversial punk designs and work with the world-famous Sex Pistols. Never afraid to speak her mind, design what she truly desired and critique the establishment, she swiftly became an icon to many. Her collections which pushed the boundaries of gender norms took great inspiration from history and, most importantly, had the propensity to cause outrage that would inspire other fashion giants from McQueen to Galliano.

While today the entirety of the fashion world can look back at her works and see them for the art that they are, gaining respect proved to be an immense challenge for Vivienne. However, after years of snubbing, she was finally honoured with the British Designer of the year award in 1990, and subsequently 1991. She would also be appointed not only an Officer of the Order of The British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II but a Damehood from the now King Charles in 2006. It is said that on both occasions she neglected to wear any lingerie under her outfits. Perhaps the most Westwood to receive such honours.

A famously outspoken advocate for the planet and human rights, The Vivienne Foundation, a not-for-profit company, was founded by Westwood, her sons and her grandaughter in late 2022 and will officially launch in 2023 and will “honour, protect and continue the legacy of Vivienne’s life, design and activism.”

Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne’s husband and creative partner said in a statement, “I will continue with Vivienne in my heart. We have been working until the end and she has given me plenty of things to get on with. Thank you darling.”

Dame Vivienne Westwood, 1941 - 2022.

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