Dame Vivienne Westwood, British fashion designer who made punk fashion mainstream during the 1970s, died on December 29th at the age of 81.

WWD paid tribute to the icon by talking to fashion designers and industry insiders. 

Michael Kors described Westwood as “a true original and game changer in so many ways,” adding, “From punk to corsets to platforms, her vision changed the way women dressed and saw themselves. Her influence will continue to inspire generations to come.” 

Known for her corset dresses and tartan plaid, The Guardian compiled photos of Westwood’s best runway looks, while Vulture compiled celebrity tributes from social media—and British Vogue looks back at “29 Unforgettable Vivienne Westwood Runway Moments.”

Westwood launched a fragrance in 1998, Boudoir, with Martin Gras of Dragoco. WWD reports that Westwood explained the inspiration behind the scent, saying, “My perfume is called Boudoir. A boudoir is a dressing room and a place to get undressed. It signifies a woman’s space, a place where she is on intimate terms with herself, where she sees her faults and her potential.”

During recent years, Westwood focused on activism. In 2021, she produced a short film in which she sang a new version of “Without You” from the musical “My Fair Lady.”  

WWD notes Westwood’s message that appears in the film: “I have a plan 2 save the World. Capitalism is a war economy + war is the biggest polluter, therefore Stop War + change economy 2 fair distribution of wealth at the same time.” 

Westwood called on everyone to stop arms production to halt climate change. She said, “I have always combined fashion with activism: the one helps the other. Maybe fashion can stop war.”

Westwood will no doubt continue to influence fashion designers—far into the future.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Vivienne Westwood (@viviennewestwood)