Fashion icon Vivienne Westwood has died at the age of 81
Dominic Smithers
Featured Image Credit: Roger Hutchings/Adam Gasson/Alamy
The fashion icon Vivienne Westwood has died at the age of 81.
The sad news was confirmed in a post on her Twitter page.
Her fashion label said "Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London.
"The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better.
"Dame Vivienne Westwood, Designer & Activist 8th April 1941 ~ 29th December 2022."
It also shared one of Westwood's quotes.
"'Tao spiritual system'," it began. "There was never more need for the Tao today. Tao gives you a feeling that you belong to the cosmos and gives purpose to your life; it gives you such a sense of identity and strength to know you're living the life you can live and therefore ought to be living: make full use of your character and full use of your life on earth' ~ Vivienne Westwood'.
"Vivienne, we love you."
Dame Vivienne's 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."
Westwood made her name back in the 1970s with her striking punk look and outlandish style.
In the decades that passed, she went on to become one of the biggest names in the world of fashion.
Since news of her death was announced, people have taken to social media to share messages of condolence.
They praised her for changing the industry and influencing so many other designers.
One user said: "Another legend gone far too soon. Rest in peace Vivienne Westwood, you have inspired many and will continue to inspire future generations."
Another commented: "The fashion queen of South London. Rest in peace Vivienne Westwood."
"I’m at a lost of words with the news of the passing of Vivienne Westwood, may she rest in peace, her legacy will live on forever. wishing all the love and strength to the family in this time of grieving," put a third.
While another added: "Vivienne Westwood was so damn cool. She was a working class fashion designer, which is extremely rare, and her designs were punk and goth and god, just endlessly covetable.
"RIP to one of the raddest people to ever do it."