The year has ended on a sad note with U.K. designer Vivienne passing away at the age of 81 on December 29, 2022.
Words were shared on her Instagram page informing fans that she "died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London."
Westwood's designs reflected her attitude of daring to be different, going against the grain or completely doing away with it. Her rebellious contribution to the fashion world was refreshingly extraterrestrial, teaching others the bravery of being yourself and living in your truth.
Over her 60 year career she built a fashion empire, fought climate change, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and invented her own tartan and clan, MacAndreas, recognized by the Lochcarron of Scotland.
Medium Kilt Tartan, www.westwood.com
A huge supporter of sustainable fashion, the designer ensured that the brand's designs were manufactured using organic or recycled fabrics. The fashion house also stopped using real fur in 2007, a move that was way ahead of its time. She has been on the forefront of creating support and awareness for environmental organizations and NGOs.
Doja Cat and Post Malone the video for 'I Like You (A Happier Song)'. Doja is wearing a Vivienne Westwood gown designed by Andreas Kronthaler for the Autumn-Winter 2022/23 collection.
Westood's career began in London during the 1960s. When everyone was engrossed in the hippie movement Vivienne and her then boyfriend Malcolm McLaren chose a different path, opening a store and designing clothes that were more punk rock than flower power.
After relocating to Italy in the early 80s, she opened a series of boutiques, created her own fragrance and appeared in several fashion shows before finally launching her own fashion house 'Vivienne Westwood Red Label' in 1999.
For the next 20 years her brand has grown to having flagship boutiques around the world including New York, Milan, Paris, London, Shanghai, Beijing and Dubai.
Designer Riccardo Tisci posted a tribute to Westwood thanking her for her inspiration writing, "Dame Vivienne, you touched us all with your imagination, humility and rebellion and you made us believe in creativity in its purest form..uncompromising, genuine, free, and always guided by the heart."
Vivienne is survived by two sons, Joseph Corre and Ben Westwood, and a granddaughter Cora Corre.
Cover Image: Instagram @viviennewestwood