Dame Vivienne Westwood has been remembered as an "icon" for thrusting modern punk and new wave fashion in decades of work after her death at the age of 81.
The fashion designer passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on December 29, 2022. She rose to fame in the 1970s with her controversial styles and went on to dress some of the biggest names in fashion.
A statement released on her official social media page shared the news of her death: "29th December 2022. Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London."
Westwood worked with the Sex Pistols' Malcolm McLaren in the 1970s. After opening four shops in London, she quickly expanded through Britain and the rest of the world with her innovative designs.
Her 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."
Tributes for the fashion designer poured in, with chat show host Jonathan Ross tweeting: "RIP the great Vivienne Westwood. Unique. Brilliant. Uncompromising. Thanks Viv x"
Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne wrote: "Vivienne Westwood is the woman that showed me I could do anything, I could wear what I wanted, she was an ICON and I lived my life through hers in some sorts of way. There will never be another, but we’ll continue your fight."
Happy Mondays singer Rowetta said: "So so sad to read of the passing of another great icon. Rest In Peace Dame Vivienne Westwood"
Halloween star Jamie Lee Curtis penned: "Westwood has died. She was a brilliant creator, bold, brash, unique. She influenced SO MANY and gave them the permission to be themselves and beyond themselves. My longtime hairdresser and friend @seanjameshair has been a devotee and brand ambassador forever. She is tattooed all over him and was his muse. What a legacy of creativity she will always be. @viviennewestwood."
TV personality Lizzie Cundy wrote: "So very sad to hear Vivienne Westwood has past away. An icon who brought fashion punk to the mainstream. She will always be remembered as the godmother of punk. What an amazing lady. Rest in peace #Ripviviennewestwood"
Trevor Sinclair added: "Sad to hear Vivienne Westwood has passed condolences to her family such a talented designer, northerner & supporter of the working class RIP."
Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks said: "I’ve just heard about Vivienne’s passing. It doesn’t seem real. She was larger than life. She was a friend I was in complete awe of. I tried to watch and learn every moment I was with her. She cracked me up with her directness and often terrifying “I don’t give a fuck-ness”. But she cared so much that she changed the world and kept working to make it better day after day. Nobody has been so unique, so groundbreaking, so innovative. I love you Vivienne. Thank you for everything. My love to you, Andreas. @viviennewestwood @ndreaskronthaler."
Broadcaster Owen Jones tweeted: "One of the most colourful people I’ve ever met, including at a striking junior doctors’ picket line, where she rallied the troops in support of her beloved NHS. She walked the walk and talked the talk. RIP Vivienne Westwood!"
Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley writing: "Queen Vivienne Westwood…..you will light up heaven with your endless energy, you will never be forgotten….uniqueness at its all time BEST!!! Rest In Peace Be yourself even in heaven #rip #viviennewestwood #queen #fashion #icon."
The Pogues' Spider Stacey wrote: "No words. RIP Video Vivienne Westwood."
Hollywood actress Rose McGowan said: "Deeply saddened by a true punk’s passing, Vivienne Westwood, what a hellraiser, what a talent. #VivienneWestwood #angelofdemocracy"
MP for Chippenham Michelle Donelan tweeted: "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."
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