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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Daniel Bird & Katherine Heslop

Vivienne Westwood praised for being 'cut from a different cloth' by celebrity friends

Dame Vivienne Westwood was remembered by those closest to her at a star-studded memorial at Southwark Cathedral today.

The celebrated fashion designer and activist died aged 81 on December 29, 2022, leaving the world in a state of disbelief after her brand announced she had passed away surrounded by her family.

Dame Vivienne was known for her flamboyant flair and for dressing some of the biggest names in the world, as well as her relentless campaigning.

As the world of fashion and showbiz gathered to celebrate her exciting life, the likes of Victoria Beckham, Sir Bob Geldof, Elle Fanning and royal Lady Amelia Windsor reflect on the trailblazer.

Elle Fanning has praised the recent memorial service for Dame Vivienne Westwood (GC Images)
The legendary fashion designed died aged 81 in December (PA)

Actress Elle Fanning, 24, told the Mirror that the memorial had been "stunning" and "so beautiful".

Speaking after she left Southwark Cathedral, the actress said she had known Vivienne since she was 16.

"Vivienne was such an incredible person and it was so evident that she touched so many lives and her granddaughter spoke so beautifully about her activism and she's left this legacy behind that we all have to pick up the slack and do the work that she started."

Asked what the designer's legacy is, the Neon Demon star said: "She's a freedom fighter, she's an activist, she's someone that saw the good in humanity and people."

Dame Vivienne was known for her activism work (Getty Images)

Elle went on: "I was lucky enough to get to wear a lot of her designs, we collaborated on clothes together.

She added that Vivienne was a "really special person, there's no one like her."

"She's cut from a different cloth, as Helena Bonham Carter said."

Helena gave the eulogy at Vivienne's memorial.

Speaking to the Mirror briefly as he left the cathedral, Sir Bob Geldof, 71, said the memorial was "exactly like Vivienne would have wanted. It was charming, moving and radical."

Sir Bob Geldof described the memorial service as "moving and radical" – just like Vivienne (Matt Keeble/Dave Benett/Getty Im)

Asked how the service was radical, the musician replied: "The focus was on why she did everything she did, and that was all political and very effective."

Sharing the news of her death, a spokesperson for the fashion legend said: "Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London.

"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."

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