Vivienne Westwood was a fashion symbol for more than 50 years. She was a successful designer, philosopher, poet, activist, and political figure.
Table of Contents
The average reading time is 5 minutes. The article was last updated on 30/05/2024.
Early life
Vivienne Westwood was an English fashion designer and businesswoman known for her contributions to the punk and new wave movements of the 1970s and her eponymous fashion brand. She was born on April 8, 1941, in Glossop, Derbyshire, England, and grew up in a working-class family. Westwood was interested in fashion from a young age and attended Harrow Art School, where she studied fashion and textiles.
After completing her education, Westwood worked as a teacher and salesperson before eventually starting her own business in 1971. She launched the Vivienne Westwood fashion brand, initially focusing on clothing and accessories inspired by the punk and new wave movements. The successful brand helped establish Westwood as a prominent figure in the fashion industry.
The success
Westwood’s designs are known for their edgy, unconventional aesthetic and have been widely embraced by various consumers. She has introduced several iconic products, including the “pirate” shirt and the “mini-crini” skirt, and her brand has become associated with innovation and high-quality craftsmanship. In addition to her work in fashion, Westwood has also been involved in other areas of the industry, including fragrances, eyewear, and home furnishings.
Please read our article about fast fashion. Why is it bad for you and the environment?
Buy less, choose well: that’s the maxim. Quality not quantity.
Vivienne Westwood
That’s the most environmentally friendly thing you can do.
Activism
She is known for her activism on climate change, human rights, and animal welfare issues. Westwood has supported various political parties and candidates, including the Green Party and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. In addition to participating in protests and demonstrations, she has used her platform as a designer to draw attention to various political issues through her clothing and accessories.
The Manifesto: Active Resistance to Propaganda
She created her manifesto, describing the relation of art to climate change and human acts.
She wrote: “I make the great claim for my manifesto, that it penetrates the root of the human predicament and offers the underlying solution. We have the choice to become more cultivated and therefore more human – or by muddling along as usual, we shall remain the destructive and self-destroying animal, the victim of our cleverness (To be or not to be).”
Read more at climaterevolution.co.uk
Criticism
Like any public figure, Vivienne Westwood has faced criticism for her actions and views. Some of the complaints she has faced include the following:
- Accusations of cultural appropriation: Westwood has been accused of appropriating indigenous cultures in her fashion designs, particularly in her Native American imagery.
- Controversial statements: Westwood has made several controversial statements over the years, including supporting WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and suggesting that the U.S. government orchestrated the September 11th attacks. (also check theguardian.com article)
- Business practices: Westwood has also faced criticism for her business practices, including using sweatshop labor in producing her clothing. She also included PVC, Polyester, and other materials in her fashion and accessories lines.
It’s worth noting that Westwood has also faced criticism for supporting various political causes and parties, with some disagreeing with her views and actions.
Books
Vivienne Westwood has written or co-written several books, including:
- “Get a Life: The Diaries of Vivienne Westwood” (2016): This book is a collection of Westwood’s online diaries. With 2-3 entries each month, she addresses political, fashion, art, and environmental thoughts.
- “Fashion in Art: The Second Empire and Impressionism” (1995): A book Inspired by the late 19th-century fashion in Paris with more than 120 paintings from various artists.
- “Vivienne Westwood” (2014): This book is a biography of Westwood, covering her life and career from her childhood in postwar Britain to her rise to fame as a fashion designer.
- “Vivienne Westwood: Fashion, Perversity, and the Sixties Laid Bare” (1996): This book is a collection of essays by various authors exploring the influence of the 1960s on Westwood’s work and the cultural significance of her designs. Written by
Fred Vermorel. - Vivienne Westwood Opus 2008 limited edition was published for London Fashion Week 2008, documents Westwood’s work, and is also a unique work of art. The book measures (90 cm × 64 cm), and weighs (20 kg), with a total limited edition of 900. (source: Wikipedia.org)
Westwood has also co-written several other books, including a collection of her poetry and a book on the history of corsets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vivienne Westwood famous for?
Vivienne Westwood is famous for her influential role in the punk fashion movement of the 1970s and her contributions to modern fashion. She is also recognized for her eco-friendly and sustainable approach to style.
How did Vivienne Westwood start her career?
Vivienne Westwood started her career in fashion by opening a boutique called “Let It Rock” in London with her then-partner Malcolm McLaren. The boutique later transformed into “Sex,” selling punk-inspired clothing and designs.
What are some signature elements of Vivienne Westwood’s designs?
Vivienne Westwood’s designs often feature unconventional cuts, bold patterns, and a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. She also incorporates punk-inspired details like safety pins, tartan prints, and leather.
Is Vivienne Westwood involved in activism?
Vivienne Westwood is known for her activism on various social and environmental issues. She actively supports causes such as climate change awareness, human rights, and animal rights. She uses her fashion platform to raise awareness and advocate for positive change.
Are Vivienne Westwood’s designs affordable?
Vivienne Westwood’s designs are generally considered high-end and fall into luxury fashion. The prices can vary depending on the specific item and collection. However, her brand also offers more accessible lines and collaborations that may have more affordable options.
Conclusion
Vivienne Westwood, dubbed “The Queen of English Fashion,” was a wildly successful fashion designer and entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the fashion industry.
She died in London on December 29, 2022, and we will finish with the words of Chrissie Hynde: “Vivienne is gone, and the world is already a less interesting place.” RIP.
Culture is necessary for human beings to evolve into better creatures.
Vivienne Westwood, Get a Life: The Diaries of Vivienne Westwood
Pashalis Laoutaris
I am a professional writer, fashion blogger, and owner of the site https://laoutaris.com. I have over 20 years of experience as a salesperson in the fashion industry and 10 years of experience as a fashionista. I consider myself a true fashionista. I write daily blog articles about fashion, tools and converters, and everything you need to know about current trends.
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