Exploring The Life And Legacy Of Vivienne Westwood, Fashion Icon And Activist

Vivienne Westwood, born in 1941, is recognized as one of the most unconventional fashion designers in history. Her journey from a small-town girl in England to a leading figure in the punk rock movement is not just inspiring but also a testament to the power of creativity and resilience. Westwood's designs did not just set trends; they shaped a cultural revolution. In this article, we will delve into her early years, her iconic designs, and her impact on the fashion industry and activism.

Who Is Vivienne Westwood?

Considered one of the most unconventional and outspoken fashion designers in the world, Vivienne Westwood rose to fame in the late 1970s when her early designs helped shape the look of the punk rock movement. Her unique approach to fashion not only challenged the norms but also provided a voice for the youth of her time.

Early Years

Born Vivienne Isabel Swire on April 8, 1941, in the English town of Glossop in Derbyshire, Westwood came from humble beginnings. Her father was a cobbler, while her mother helped the family keep ends meet by working at a local cotton mill. These early experiences influenced her creativity and later her designs.

At the age of 17, Westwood's family moved to Harrow in Middlesex, where the future fashion icon found work at a local factory and eventually enrolled at a teacher training school. This period marked the beginning of her journey into the world of fashion.

As Westwood would later recall, her childhood years were far from London’s high life. "I lived in a part of the country that had grown up in the Industrial Revolution," she once said. "I didn't know about art galleries…I’d never seen an art book, never been to the theatre.” This lack of exposure pushed her to explore and create her own artistic identity.

Westwood's Famous Designs

In 1971, Malcolm McLaren, her partner and later the manager of the Sex Pistols, opened a boutique shop at 430 Kings Road in London, filling it with Westwood's designs. This shop became an important fashion center for the punk movement, showcasing her distinctive style.

As the punk movement faded, Westwood did not rest on her laurels; she constantly influenced and dictated fashion trends. Her Pirate collection of frilly shirts and the mini-crini of the 1980s are just a few examples of her innovative designs. She even proved it’s possible to make a subversive statement with underwear.

English designer Jasper Conran once explained, "Vivienne’s effect on other designers has been rather like a laxative. Vivienne does, and others follow." This highlights her significant impact on the fashion industry and her ability to inspire others.

Later Years

Westwood's style is characterized by an outspoken and daring attitude that reflects her fearless approach to fashion and life. In one notable incident, she impersonated Margaret Thatcher on the cover of a British magazine, wearing a suit Thatcher had ordered but not yet received, sparking controversy.

Despite her fame, Westwood has remained grounded. For more than 30 years, even after achieving significant success, she lived in the same small South London apartment, paying just $400 a month and riding her bike to her studio in Battersea.

Her influence is undeniable; she has been named British Designer of the Year twice and received the O.B.E. (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 1992 for her contributions to fashion and activism.

Vivienne Westwood Documentary

In June 2018, a documentary entitled Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist was released in the U.S., chronicling Westwood's life from housewife to fashion icon. Directed by Lorna Tucker, the documentary received mixed reviews, with Westwood herself expressing disappointment over its lack of emphasis on her environmental activism.

She stated, "It’s a shame... the film is mediocre, and Vivienne and Andreas are not." This statement showcases her desire for a more profound representation of her life's work and activism.

Personal Life

In 1962, Westwood married Derek Westwood and had a son, but the couple divorced three years later. She later partnered with Malcolm McLaren, with whom she had another son. In 1992, Westwood married her assistant, Andreas Kronthaler, who is 25 years her junior. Today, they work together as design partners in South London.

Key Takeaways

As we reflect on Vivienne Westwood's remarkable life and legacy, it's clear that she represents more than just fashion; she embodies the spirit of creativity, rebellion, and social awareness. Her contributions to fashion and society continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists alike.