Vivienne Westwood (1941—2022) was a renowned English fashion designer and businesswoman. Her unique approach in fashion and design had captivated punk communities in the 1970s. She was exceptionally brilliant when it came to the introduction of the DIY aesthetic of those early days that added creative flair to people, her historically inspired extravagance of the mid-1980s, and more recent forays into ethical designs.
The lack of formal training in fashion design didn't hinder her dreams to become successful in the world of fashion. She infused higher meaning into a mundane experience and began learning dressmaking skills at home. Her potential saw the creation of pieces inspired by hardcore punk elements such as slashed t-shirts featuring bones adornment, glamourous latex dresses and tartan bondage trousers. To bring about the wonderful mix of glamor and aesthetic—Vivienne collaborated with an English visual artist—Malcolm McLaren (1946—2010).
Vivienne Westwood uniquely blended two essential components of her designs—tradition and rebellion. His luscious collection in 1985 featured the Mini Crini that was inspired by the mix of 1960s fashion with the bell-shaped caged petticoats and tight corsetry that debuted hundred years earlier.
Her utterly sensual and sexy collections that Vivienne presented next—the wearer embodied a seventeenth-century goddess or an eighteenth-century gentleman. The gentle use of harmonious fabric known as Harris tweeds plus her innovative capabilities channeled the production of refined designs.
Apart from the rebellious spirit and improvisational themes of her designs, her work was rooted in redefining British culture and European art history. She also played a center role in reinforcing London's importance as a fashion capital.
Her classical rigor inspired passionate fashion designers such as John Galliano and Yohji Yamamoto. Vivienne Westwood created a charming atmosphere that connected fashion with critical elements in society such as street style, pop culture and music.