Vivienne Westwood Has Died at 81

Vivienne Westwood Has Died at 81

Vivienne Westwood died at age 81 on Dec. 29. The British fashion designer was known for her subversive approach and punk aesthetic, and she continued to create until her death. “She led an amazing life. Her innovation and impact over the last 60 years has been immense and will continue into the future,” read a statement shared to her eponymous brand’s Instagram. A cause of death was not shared, but Westwood is said to have passed “peacefully and surrounded by her family” in London.

The statement also highlighted Westwood’s belief in Taoism, and shared this fitting quote from the designer: “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.”

Westwood was born in the English village of Tintwistle in 1941. Her fashion studies began when she studied jewelry and silversmithing at the University of Westminster. She would later make her own wedding dress for her first marriage in 1962. In the early 1970s, however, Westwood was at the frontier of the burgeoning punk movement, and she ran a boutique simply named Sex with her partner at the time, Malcolm McLaren, who would later manage the Sex Pistols.

Westwood made her runway debut in 1981 with her “pirate” collection, done in collaboration with McLaren. Throughout her decades designing, Westwood became known for often incorporating corset silhouettes, tartan fabrics, and fetish flourishes. She is also famous for her fall 1993 collection, complete with nine-inch platform heels. (Naomi Campbell notably fell while walking in that show.)

Despite her disruptive nature, Westwood became a fixture in both fashion and, ironically, British society. In 1992, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Westwood to the Order of the British Empire, making her a dame. Westwood wore sheer tights and flashed photographers when she collected her OBE at Buckingham Palace.

Westwood is survived by her husband, designer Andreas Kronthaler, and two children, photographer Ben Westwood and Agent Provocateur cofounder Joseph Corré.

You can view the original article HERE.

N.Y. Assemblyman Introduces ‘Peanut’s Law,’ Says Investigation Request Ignored
N.Y. Assemblyman Introduces ‘Peanut’s Law,’ Says Investigation Request Ignored
‘B.M.F.’ Big Meech Gets Porcelain Veneers After Prison Bid
‘B.M.F.’ Big Meech Gets Porcelain Veneers After Prison Bid
How TV news anchors gear up for election night
How TV news anchors gear up for election night
NBA Reopens Jaxson Hayes Investigation After TMZ Video of 2021 Incident
NBA Reopens Jaxson Hayes Investigation After TMZ Video of 2021 Incident
Nothing Left to Prove: Quincy Jones (1933-2024) | Tributes
Nothing Left to Prove: Quincy Jones (1933-2024) | Tributes
Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol Ending, Explained
Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol Ending, Explained
Every TV Series Coming to Major Streaming Services in November 2024
Every TV Series Coming to Major Streaming Services in November 2024
The Unloved, Part 131: Dark City | MZS
The Unloved, Part 131: Dark City | MZS
I was crying at a certain point because I felt that I had hurt him
I was crying at a certain point because I felt that I had hurt him
Gina Zollman To Perform Her Show “ORI gina LS” At The Arthur Newman Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Sunday 11/24/24
Gina Zollman To Perform Her Show “ORI gina LS” At The Arthur Newman Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Sunday 11/24/24
Iggy Pop announces “landmark” 2025 London and Glasgow shows
Iggy Pop announces “landmark” 2025 London and Glasgow shows
Watch Fontaines D.C. sing Antonio Vega’s ‘Tesoros’ in Spanish in Madrid
Watch Fontaines D.C. sing Antonio Vega’s ‘Tesoros’ in Spanish in Madrid
The 3 Biggest Scandals in Sports History
The 3 Biggest Scandals in Sports History
Kiss918 on the Edge: Pushing the Boundaries of Digital Casino Innovation
Kiss918 on the Edge: Pushing the Boundaries of Digital Casino Innovation
Patriots’ Maye clears concussion protocol, will play vs. Titans
Patriots’ Maye clears concussion protocol, will play vs. Titans
Silver: NBA looking at ‘other formats’ for 2025 ASG
Silver: NBA looking at ‘other formats’ for 2025 ASG
The End Trailer Arrives for 2024’s Most Audacious Film
The End Trailer Arrives for 2024’s Most Audacious Film
Taylor Sheridan is Correct: Critics Have Become Irrelevant
Taylor Sheridan is Correct: Critics Have Become Irrelevant
Silence of the Lambs Influenced Daisy Ridley’s New Movie Magpie
Silence of the Lambs Influenced Daisy Ridley’s New Movie Magpie
Emilia Clarke’s ‘The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland’ Gets Release Date
Emilia Clarke’s ‘The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland’ Gets Release Date
Banana Republic’s Holiday Campaign, Burberry’s Stock Rises
Banana Republic’s Holiday Campaign, Burberry’s Stock Rises
The Best-Dressed Stars at LACMA Art + Film Gala 2024
The Best-Dressed Stars at LACMA Art + Film Gala 2024
Beauty Made In Italy Brings A Big Crowd To The West Hollywood EDITION Hotel
Beauty Made In Italy Brings A Big Crowd To The West Hollywood EDITION Hotel
The Best-Dressed Stars At The 2024 WSJ Innovator Awards
The Best-Dressed Stars At The 2024 WSJ Innovator Awards