Vivienne Westwood, a prominent pioneer in fashion design, has died at the age of 81. Her family has reported that she died “peacefully” with them at her side in her Clapham home.
The fashion designer gained to popularity in the 1970s and, along with her partner at the time, Malcolm McLaren, helped to shape the punk and new-wave fashion trends that dominated the decade. They both contributed to the establishment of the SEX boutique store.
When new designs arose over the years, Vivienne was able to stay one step ahead of the curve by designing outfits for Tatler magazine in the 1980s.
Companies and organizations such as Virgin Atlantic and King’s College London contacted her in the hopes that she could help them build their own styles.
Her customers liked her one-of-a-kind creations, and she became well-known for dressing celebrities such as Dita von Teese and Marion Cotillard.
Her designs were so highly appreciated that Princess Eugenie, a major fan, chose to wear one of them to the Prince and Princess of Wales wedding.
She even had her own run-in with royalty, and the outfit she wore when she met the Queen sparked great debate. Vivienne was attempting to flaunt her stunning flair, but all that was visible was the skin hidden below her translucent tights.
Andreas Kronthaler, her husband, and their two kids, Derek Westwood and Joseph Corré, survive her. Her youngest son, Joseph Corré, has followed in his mother’s footsteps and founded the lingerie company Agent Provocateur. Derek Westwood is a well-known fashion designer.
Several people have expressed condolences and offered tribute to Vivienne Westwood, including fashion journalist Vanessa Friedman, who commented, “Farewell Vivienne Westwood, a true fashion original and disruptor extraordinaire.”
“Rest in peace, the beautiful Vivienne Westwood,” Jonathan Ross added. “Unique. Brilliant. Uncompromising. “and the winner of the UK’s Drag Race,” says Viv x. “Vivienne Westwood is the woman who gave me the confidence that I could achieve everything I set my mind to, that I could wear anything I chose, that she was an icon, and that I somehow lived my life through hers,” she said. “There will never be another opportunity like this again, but we will keep fighting for you.”
