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Duchess is the surprise star of intimate portraits by mistress of punk

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Vivienne Westwood's glossy, metre-high book Opus brings together an eclectic range of subjects, including Sarah, Duchess of York, Kate Moss and Helena Bonham-Carter.

The doyenne of punk snapped images of celebrities dressed in her most striking creations and photographed family and friends for the extraordinary tome, which also contains the text of her personal manifesto.

Shot on the world's largest Polaroid camera, the limited edition publication also features the 66-year-old fashionista's impressions of her famous acquaintances.

"She's a lovely woman," says the designer of Fergie, who appears in one picture wearing a sumptuous taffeta gown. "Judge her by her daughters. They are so well brought up, friendly but always polite. And she's trying to do good in the world."

Vivienne also recalls the day cover girl Kate came in to have her picture taken, accompanied by daughter Lila and the little girl's father, publisher Jefferson Hack.

Despite being one of the world's best-known covergirls Kate was "nervous" because "she's very shy, and every time she does a shot, she needs to know if the magic is working".

Fans who can't afford the £1,400 autographed edition can see the pictures at London's Scream gallery until February 19.

Photo: © Alphapress.com
Fergie agreed to be included in the exclusive publication after meeting the designer a couple of times. "She's a lovely woman," says ViviennePhoto: © Viviennewestwoodopus.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Covergirl Kate was also among the 50 friends and family members who posed for the images included in the £1,400 bookPhoto: © Viviennewestwoodopus.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Helena, with whom the designer exchanges Christmas cards, appears with partner Tim BurtonPhoto: © Viviennewestwoodopus.com