Vivienne Westwood was a British fashion designer and businesswoman who rose to fame in the 1970s as a leading figure in the punk movement. She is known for her innovative and often unconventional ideas and designs, worn by many famous figures, including the late Princess Diana. Westwood passed away on December 29, 2022.

Westwood was born in Derbyshire, England, in 1941. She began her career as a primary school teacher but eventually turned to fashion design, opening a small shop in London in 1971. Over the years, she became known for her bold and unconventional style, which blended punk, new wave, and traditional British design elements. Westwood's designs were often provocative and rebellious, reflecting the countercultural values of the punk movement.

In addition to her fashion work, Westwood was also an activist, campaigning on various issues, including climate change and animal rights. She was a vocal critic of fast fashion and mass consumerism and a pioneer in the sustainable fashion movement.

One of Vivienne Westwood's most significant dimensions was her creative partnership with Malcolm McLaren. Westwood was a fashion designer, and McLaren was a music manager and entrepreneur. Together, they opened a boutique called "SEX" in London, which became a hub for the punk scene and a place where Westwood could showcase her avant-garde fashion designs.

McLaren significantly influenced Westwood's work, and the two were known for their provocative and rebellious style. They were both vocal critics of the mainstream fashion industry and were interested in subverting traditional ideas about style and beauty.

Westwood and McLaren's relationship was not always smooth, however. They had a tumultuous personal relationship and eventually ended their professional and private partnership. Despite this, the impact of their work together on the fashion industry and popular culture has been significant. Westwood and McLaren's legacy as pioneers of the punk movement continues to be celebrated.

Westwood's legacy as a fashion designer and cultural icon will continue to be celebrated for years. Her memoirs offer a unique insight into her life and work and serve as a testament to her enduring influence on the fashion industry.

Here are some of the fashion industry's touching tributes to Dame Vivienne Westwood.

Global editorial director at Vogue and chief content officer at Condé Nast, Anna Wintour, lauded her as an "extraordinary talent" and "an iconoclast who chased every belief and passion with a stunning fire." She knew how to stir things up while also having a firm grasp on what made Britain special, fusing old traditions, class, sex, romanticism, and practice in her designs. Wintour remarked that her favorite Costume Institute show was Anglomania since it was a tribute to Vivienne. She was the gala's unifying force; she was the artist with whom every other designer longed to speak.

Manolo Blahnik, a Spanish fashion designer, said, "Dame Vivienne Westwood was a bold visionary with purpose. She made some of the century's most recognizable masterpieces by defying expectations. My family and I are praying for Andreas and her family."

Naomi Campbell, an English model, actress, singer, and entrepreneur, credited Vivienne Westwood as "the original queen of fashion." She recalled that the punk movement looked too inventive to her when she was a kid. Her admiration for Westwood culminated in their friendship. She praised Vivienne, saying that her self-assurance was admirable in a male-dominated fashion industry. Having such a strong influence on her life, she encouraged her to pursue passions beyond music. Her sincerity was genuine, whether we liked it or not. Everyone tried to copy her majestic, innovative tailoring in their own fairy tales. For decades, she witnessed a storybook romance between Vivienne and Andreas. It was some kind of sublime love. History will remember Vivienne as an original pioneer in our field. Naomi Campbell expressed her regret that Vivienne could not receive sufficient acclaim that she actually deserved. She expressed her heartfelt condolences with the entire family of Andreas and Joe. She finally remarked, "let the throne be your bed tonight, King or Queen."

An Italian fashion designer, Donatella Francesca Versace, expressed her condolences on hearing of Dame Vivienne Westwood's death. "Vivienne Westwood was a groundbreaking fashion icon and a true Punk. She defied all the norms of the fashion industry in order to create items that radiated freedom, defiance, and strength. She recast the vocabulary through which young people have communicated for many years. As one of the few prominent women in our field, Vivienne has been a constant source of motivation for me. She was fearless, never accepted defeat, and had unclouded insight. Each of us has learned so much from Vivienne. And she always will. Sleep with the angels."

Marc Jacobs, an American fashion designer, is known for reinterpreting popular culture. Many claim his "grunge" collection launched the '90s grunge trend. Paying respect to Vivienne Westwood, he said, "Heartbroken. Initially, it was you who took the initiative. Always. Superb presentation of exceptionally high quality and significance. I have a lot to thank you for, both in terms of your words and your outstanding works. The night we bonded over our shared appreciation of Yves Saint Laurent is one of my fondest memories. You always managed to catch me off guard. I appreciate the time we spent together and with Andreas. The phrase "rest in peace, beloved Vivienne" feels inappropriate. Please accept my sincerest condolences on behalf of myself and my family to Andreas and his loved ones."

British Queen Elizabeth said, addressing her "Queen Mother's" death ceremony, "Grief is the price of love we pay." Such are the sentiments on this living legend's demise in the fashion industry we remember today as Vivienne Westwood. She lived a life of a trendsetter who faced criticism but remained resolute. She was confident and steadfast in what she believed. She was an iconoclast to her core. She knew how to swim against the stream. Time will not forget her because of her loving memories and valuable contributions to the fashion industry.