Fashion legend and pioneering punk designer Dame Vivienne Westwood has passed away at the age of 81.
The British businesswoman, fashion designer, and style icon was best known for introducing modern punk fashion into the mainstream across the western world through her androgynous and provocative designs.
Besides her work in fashion, Westwood also gained a reputation as a staunch activist who cared about causes such as climate change – something that was evident not only in her personal life but also in the work she brought to the catwalk.
For her service to fashion, the designer was made a Dame back in 2006.
As her representatives revealed, Westwood died peacefully at her London home while surrounded by her loved ones.
“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,” the woman’s husband and partner Andreas Kronthaler said.
Following her passing, tributes to the one-of-a-kind designer and unrivaled fashion icon have begun pouring in.
“The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better,” a tribute shared on the late stylist’s page read.
“RIP the great Vivienne Westwood. Unique. Brilliant. Uncompromising,” TV presenter Jonathan Ross added.
“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,” fashion designer Victoria Beckham said.
Chipping in was also Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan who posted the following tribute: “A sad day, Vivienne Westwood was and will remain a towering figure in British fashion.
“Her punk style rewrote the rule book in the 1970s and was widely admired for how she stayed true to her own values throughout her life.”
Our thoughts are with Vivienne’s family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time.