Vivienne Westwood, born Vivienne Isabel Swire, was a pioneering British fashion designer whose avant-garde approach redefined the fashion industry in the 1970s.
She is widely recognized for her key role in shaping punk fashion along with her partner Malcolm McLaren, manager of the Sex Pistols.
Westwood’s designs are often provocative and socially conscious, pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion and inspiring a global movement.
Over the decades, she has expanded her influence beyond punk, becoming a prominent advocate for sustainability, civil rights, and environmental activism while maintaining a prolific career in the field. high fashion.
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- Full name: Vivienne Isabel Westwood Swire
- Date of birth: April 8, 1941
- Age as of 2024: 83 (died in 2022)
- – Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Tintwistle, Cheshire, England
- Nationality: English
- Occupation: Fashion designer, activist
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Gordon Swire (father), Dora Ball (mother)
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Andreas Kronthaler (married 1992), Derek Westwood (married 1962, divorced 1966)
- Children: Benjamin Westwood, Joseph Corré
- Relationship status: Married at the time of death
- Religion: Taoism
- Ethnicity: White
- Net worth: 50 million USD
Early life and education
Vivienne Westwood was born on 8 April 1941 in Tintwistle, Cheshire, to parents Gordon Swire and Dora Ball. The family then moved to Greater London, where Vivienne studied at the Harrow School of Art.
However, after just one semester, she left, believing that a working-class girl like her had few opportunities in the art world. She pursued teacher training and worked as a primary school teacher, making jewelery and selling it in the Notting Hill district.
As of 2024, Westwood would have been 83 years old, but she passed away in 2022. Her early years, shaped by economic limitations, later influenced her anti-establishment and committed views. committed to challenging social norms through her fashion.
Personal life
Vivienne Westwood married Derek Westwood and they had a son, Benjamin, before divorcing in 1966. Soon after, she met Malcolm McLaren, with whom she had another son, Joseph Corré.
Westwood and McLaren became one of the most iconic duos in fashion and music history, even though their romantic relationship ended in the early 1980s.
In 1992, Westwood married Andreas Kronthaler, a former fashion student of hers, with whom she continued to collaborate creatively until her death.
Westwood is known for his strong political views. Later in life, she switched from the Labor Party to the Conservative Party due to concerns about human rights and freedoms.
Career
Vivienne Westwood began her fashion career in the early 1970s, partnering with Malcolm McLaren to open the boutique “SEX” on London’s King’s Road. This store became a center for the growing punk movement.
Her punk-inspired designs, often incorporating provocative images and materials, challenged the political and social order of the time. The 1981 “Pirates” collection marked her entry into high fashion, combining historical elements with contemporary design.
For decades, Westwood has been known for combining a rebellious spirit with exquisite craftsmanship, creating iconic collections like “Mini-Crini” and “Anglomania.”
Her later work focused on sustainability and environmental activism, cementing her as a fashion designer who was both artistically innovative and socially conscious.
prize
- 1992: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- 2006: Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE)
- 2021: Leonardo da Vinci Award for lifetime achievement
Net worth
Vivienne Westwood’s net worth was estimated at $50 million at the time of her death in December 2022.
Her fortune is amassed through decades of success in the fashion industry, global brand expansion, and lucrative partnerships with major corporations like Virgin Atlantic and Vans.
Death
Vivienne Westwood passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 81. She died peacefully in Clapham, South London, surrounded by her family.
Her death marked the end of an era in British fashion, with tributes pouring in from around the world recognizing her as one of the most influential designers of her time.
Argumentative
Vivienne Westwood’s career has often been mired in controversy, largely due to her designs. In the 1970s, her collaborations with Malcolm McLaren and the Sex Pistols produced some of the most provocative fashion of the punk era, with designs featuring controversial images such as swastikas, intended to shock and challenge social norms.
In the 1980s, Westwood again caused controversy when he included political messages in his designs, including criticism of Margaret Thatcher and the British monarchy. Her environmental activism also sparked debate, as she was accused of hypocrisy for promoting sustainability while running a luxury fashion brand.
Social Media
- Instagram: @viviennewestwood
- Twitter: @FollowWestwood
Book
- Vivienne Westwood: London Fashion (2003)
- Works 2008 (2008)
- Vivienne Westwood (Complete Collection) (2021)
