It’s been almost 24 hours since the world learned of Dame Vivienne Westwood’s death aged 81, and to say tributes have been flooding in would be an understatement.
Many of the mourners who have vocalised their sadness at the late fashion designer’s death, have spoken of her legacy and her pioneering impact on the world. A legacy which is being demonstrated by the sheer volume of eulogies filling social media platforms. Others have been laying flowers outside of her home in Clapham, south London and her iconic boutique on the Kings Road in Chelsea, west London.
MORE: Mourners are laying flowers outside Dame Vivienne Westwood's iconic Worlds End boutique
There are endless moving tributes being paid, but some of fashion’s elites, particularly British icons who have fond memories of London during the 70s punk rock era, have told short-stories about the impact Dame Vivienne and her eponymous brand have had on their lives. It is a truly sombre end to 2022.
Stella McCartney spoke on her eponymous brand’s Instagram expressing: “I cannot believe I am writing this... Today, we lost one of the most rare British icons of fashion ever. Vivienne Westwood inspired my career as a designer with bravery and bollocks. She invented punk."
She continued "I remember sitting with her for hours at Juergen Teller’s birthday dinner as she gently analysed the corner of the table cloth, folding it with precision like Japanese origami... I realised she was creating a tiny pattern and designing a zero-waste object, with little challenge. She was a genius. Vivienne invented historic fashion design moments that woke us all up and shook the industry to its core. She led the way forward, never apologising for exposing unjust wrongs in the world and asking uncomfortable questions.
Vivienne said it like she saw it.
She wanted to make fashion better.
Vivienne pushed every single boundary and held her head so high.
She was cheeky, irreverent and had the truest fuck-you vibe I have ever known.
I have never ever met anyone else like her.
I hope more become like her…
More fight like her,
More create like her,
More celebrate like her.
Thank you Dame Vivienne Westwood for all you gave us.
You will live on forever.
God save Westwood… Punk rock will never die. x Stella”
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Naomi Campbell called Dame Vivienne “The Original Queen of Fashion” She noted her other roles as a “wife, mother, grandmother and friend” Naomi said she remembered as a child “riding the bus home from school and driving by Kings Road seeing all the punks with their risk taking way of dressing and hair. It was revolutionary, i didn’t know then that I would meet Vivienne Westwood in ‘86 and not only get to work with her but be able to call her a friend.”
“Your Strength was admirable in a business dominated by men. You were a force of nature, that would always encourage me to push forward and not give up on things I was passionate about outside of modeling [sic].
She continued "Your honesty was to be valued whether we liked to hear it or not, you spoke your truth, real and authentic. Your story telling designs that were busting with regal and ground breaking cuts that everyone has copied til this very day!!!
And your beautiful love story with Andreas, one we’d read about in fairy tales, that i [sic] was able to witness for decades. We can only dream of such love. YOUR LEGACY IS JUST BEGINNING, and it will be etched in stone for forever, as your contribution to our industry is immeasurable. They could not make enough awards for what you truly deserved. To be be able to visit with you recently i [sic] feel blessed and will carry that memory in my heart always.
My sincere condolences to Andrea’s Jo and all family and loved ones .
REST ON THE THROWN YOU SO GREATLY DESERVE QUEEN. #VivenneWestwood #RIP #legend #icon #goat #neverforget ??️?️???️?️?”
Charlotte Tilbury said: “I, along with everyone at Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, am so sad to learn about the passing of the generation defining, pioneering punk icon, Dame Vivienne Westwood. Her disruptive, ceaseless dedication to her craft over 60 years has always been an inspiration to me. She shook trees, she questioned everything - she was the high priestess of punk and she leaves behind a legacy of innovation and raw energy that continues to be an inspiration to so many. I am sending our deepest love and sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones today ??⭐️✨”
READ: Iconic fashion designer Vivienne Westwood dies, aged 81
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Marc Jacobs expressed that he is “heartbroken”. He said “you did it first. always. incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance. I continue to learn from your words, and, all of your extraordinary creations. I will always remember the night we bonded over our mutual love for Yves Saint Laurent. You never failed to surprise and to shock. I am grateful for the moments I got to share with you and Andreas. Rest in Peace dear Vivienne, although, somehow peace seems like the wrong word to use. My deepest sympathies to Andreas and your family. #anotherherogone #gratefulnothateful”
Other touching tributes to Dame Vivienne Westwood:
Donatella Versace
Bella Hadid
Hailey Bieber
@haileybieber
Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath
Derek Blasberg
Kim Cattrall
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