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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Joel Leaver

5 iconic statements from Vivienne Westwood's career as fashion designer dies

It was announced that fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has died at the age of 81, with her having passed away "peacefully and surrounded by her family" in London.

Vivienne - who is known for her punk style and androgynous designs - had been an influential figure within the fashion industry, having boasted a decades-long career in it.

The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes, with her having been described as a "trailblazer," "legendary" and "a visionary who was ahead of your time" by some people.

Over the course of her lengthy career, she has enjoyed her fair share of iconic and influential moments - from memorable designs to activism. Here are a few examples.

Punk fashion

It was in a boutique, Let It Rock, in London that Vivienne and then-partner Malcolm McLaren "first showcased their ideas and designs" during the 1970s and the early 1980s.

The store - part of the punk movement - was renamed and redecorated over the years to reflect changing fashions. It was notably called SEX from around 1974 to 1976.

Her early designs influenced style in the period and beyond, and also launched her fashion career - having previously been a teacher - leading to her runway collections.

Models wearing Vivienne Westwood clothes, outside the World's End Shop, London 1980s (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Iconic look

Vivienne will be remembered for producing numerous looks, from tweed suits to slogan t-shirts. Her 'mini-crini' is among the fashions which are considered her most iconic.

The piece - which combines the Victorian crinoline with a mini skirt - featured in one of her earliest collections, which was launched in 1985. It's said to symbolise liberation.

It's seen as a modernisation of historical fashion, like other pieces of her work. The V&A - which houses some of her work - has described it as one of her "most iconic looks".

OBE outfit

Vivienne Westwood at Buckingham Palace, after receiving her OBE from the Queen. (PA)
Vivienne Westwood Spring 1986 Ready to Wear Runway Show (Penske Media via Getty Images)

Vivienne was awarded an OBE in 1992. She wore a tailored skirt suit to Buckingham Palace to receive the honour, which was given to her by the then-monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

The outfit however didn't include any knickers, which caused a stir when she twirled for photographers. She later stated that the Queen had been "amused" by the situation.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Vivienne - who later received a DBE - said of the incident: "I met a man who worked with the Queen and he said she was rather amused by it."

Runway fall

There have been a number of memorable runway moments involving pieces created by Vivienne. Perhaps the most iconic came during a presentation in around 1993.

It saw Naomi Campbell, now 52, grace a catwalk in Paris wearing a vibrant ensemble by the designer, including a pair of platform heels. The supermodel ended up falling in them.

The incident attracted much attention at the time. Reflecting on the moment in 2019, Naomi said she was later approached by other designers who wanted to replicate it.

Naomi Campbell (pictured) once fell on the runway wearing a pair of Vivienne Westwood heels, providing one of fashion's most iconic moments (Conde Nast via Getty Images)
Vivienne has attracted attention for her activism over the years, including for wearing a 'Climate Revolution' t-shirt to London Fashion Week in 2012 (WireImage)

'Climate Revolution'

Vivienne focused on activism in more recent years, with her having publicly supported various causes. This included launching a campaign against climate change.

She made headlines by promoting her 'Climate Revolution' initiation at London Fashion Week in 2012. The designer attracted attention by closing the show herself.

It saw her walk the runway in underwear and a white t-shirt featuring the campaign's name. The designer urged people to buy less clothes whilst speaking at the event.

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