Celebrities have paid tribute to Dame Vivienne Westwood following her death at the age of 81, with many praising her pioneering designs.
Westwood made a name for herself on the fashion scene in the 1970s, with her androgynous designs, slogan t-shirts and irreverent attitude towards the establishment. She is known for her eye-catching pieces, and as being one of the pioneers of the punk fashion movement.
Dame Vivienne died on Thursday “peacefully, and surrounded by her family in Clapham, south London”, her representatives said. Since the announcement of her death, tributes have poured in from celebrities keen to celebrate her life and designs.
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29th December 2022.
Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London.
The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better. pic.twitter.com/YQwVixYUrV— Vivienne Westwood (@FollowWestwood)
In an earlier statement, Dame Vivienne’s husband and creative partner Andreas Kronthaler said: “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.”
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The statement from her representatives added: “Vivienne continued to do the things she loved, up until the last moment, designing, working on her art, writing her book, and changing the world for the better. She led an amazing life. Her innovation and impact over the last 60 years has been immense and will continue into the future.”
Spice Girl and fashion designer Victoria Beckham paid tribute to Dame Vivienne Westwood on her Instagram stories. Sharing a picture of Dame Vivienne, she wrote: “I’m so sad to learn of the passing of legendary designer and activist Dame Vivienne Westwood. My thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time VB.”
Singer Boy George shared his tribute on Twitter, writing: "R.I.P to the great and inspiring Vivienne Westwood who lead us through punk and beyond. Laughed at by the fashion industry but without question she is the undisputed Queen of British fashion. I love you!"
R.I.P to the great and inspiring Vivienne Westwood who lead us through punk and beyond.
Laughed at by the fashion industry but without question she is the undisputed Queen of British fashion. I love you! Oh bondage up yours! pic.twitter.com/O6RZqpEVLq— Boy George (@BoyGeorge)
Dame Vivienne, who was born in Cheshire in 1941, is largely accepted as being responsible for bringing punk and new wave fashion into the mainstream with her eccentric creations. Her designs also featured in the 2008 film adaptation of Sex And The City, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall.
Cattrall shared her tribute to the designer on Instagram, describing her as "a true genius who never lost her northern grit". She also shared a short anecdote about Dame Vivienne: "Short story - An LA stylist had sent me 3 dresses from various designers for the London/Berlin/NY premiers of a film. The clothes arrived at my London hotel unclean, were unflattering and in need of alteration.
"I was crest fallen until a mutual friend took me immediately to see @viviennewestwood atelier and Vivienne made me a new dress in 3 days and 2 others beside for each of the upcoming openings. I’ve never forgotten her generosity and kindness in making that happen and saving the day.
"RIP Vivienne. You are a legend. Kx"
American fashion designer Marc Jacobs said he was “heartbroken” at the news of Dame Vivienne Westwood’s death. In a post on Instagram, he wrote: “Heartbroken. You did it first. Always. Incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance.
“I continue to learn from your words, and, all of your extraordinary creations. I will always remember the night we bonded over our mutual love for Yves Saint Laurent. You never failed to surprise and to shock. I am grateful for the moments I got to share with you and Andreas.
“Rest in Peace dear Vivienne, although, somehow peace seems like the wrong word.”
Dame Vivienne Westwood will be remembered for creations like the Mini Crini, bustle-skirts, bondage trousers and 12-inch platform shoes, the type which famously tripped up supermodel Naomi Campbell.
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