A Pioneer of Punk and a Champion of Causes
Vivienne Westwood, one of the most influential and innovative fashion designers of the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on Thursday, December 29, 2022, according to a statement from her team. The cause of death was not disclosed, but the statement said that she was surrounded by her family and friends in Clapham, South London.
Westwood was widely regarded as the “mother of punk”, having played a key role in the punk movement of the 1970s, along with her partner and collaborator Malcolm McLaren, who managed the Sex Pistols. The couple opened a shop on Kings Road in Chelsea, which became a hub for the punk subculture and a showcase for Westwood’s provocative and rebellious designs. She dressed many of the bands and artists who defined the era, such as the Sex Pistols, the Clash, and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
Westwood’s style was not only edgy and daring, but also inspired by historical and cultural references, such as pirates, tartans, corsets, and crinolines. She blended classic tailoring and romantic elements with anarchic and political messages, creating a unique and eclectic aesthetic that challenged the norms and conventions of the fashion industry and society at large.
Westwood was also a passionate activist and advocate for various causes, such as human rights, environmentalism, animal rights, and anti-war movements. She used her fashion shows and collections as platforms to raise awareness and express her opinions on the issues that mattered to her. She was especially vocal about the plight of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, who she considered a hero and a friend. She also campaigned against capitalism, consumerism, and climate change, urging people to “buy less, choose well, make it last”.
A Legacy of Creativity and Innovation
Westwood’s influence and impact on the fashion world and beyond are undeniable and enduring. She was one of the most celebrated and respected designers of her generation, having won numerous awards and honors, such as the Order of the British Empire, the British Fashion Awards, and the Fashion Awards. She was also appointed a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for her services to fashion.
Westwood’s designs have been featured in many exhibitions and museums around the world, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Mori Arts Centre Gallery in Tokyo. Her work has also inspired and influenced many other designers and artists, such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Madonna.
Westwood’s husband and creative partner, Andreas Kronthaler, who she married in 1992, said that he would continue with her vision and legacy. “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,” he said in the statement.
Westwood’s team also shared her final thoughts, which reflected her rebellious and radical spirit. “Julian Assange is a hero and has been treated atrociously by the UK government. Capitalism is a crime. It is the root cause of war, climate change and corruption,” she said.
Vivienne Westwood was a trailblazer, a visionary, and a legend. She left her mark on the world with her creativity, innovation, and activism. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
