Vivienne Westwood became involved in fashion organically in the late 70’s. To this day She has made vast contributions, to fashion and the enviroment and to this day her work continues.
1976 was considered a crucial point in fashion
as Westwood’s involvement in punk fashion seemed to change the direction of a whole generation,
it was also at this time that McLaren was
managing the punk band the ‘The Sex Pistols’. McLaren asked Westwood to dress the pistols, the style was greeted with a cult status and there
was an instant demand for the punk clothing, so much so that the store at 430 kings road had its name changed from ‘SEX’ which at the time was selling rubber and bondage wear to a more
suitable “SEDITIONARIES”.
The store was a huge success indeed and Westwood still owns the store to this day and has had it’s name changed again in 1980 to ‘WORLDS END’ which continues to sell interesting and sought after garments to a wide range of customers that travel from near and far.
as Westwood’s involvement in punk fashion seemed to change the direction of a whole generation,
it was also at this time that McLaren was
managing the punk band the ‘The Sex Pistols’. McLaren asked Westwood to dress the pistols, the style was greeted with a cult status and there
was an instant demand for the punk clothing, so much so that the store at 430 kings road had its name changed from ‘SEX’ which at the time was selling rubber and bondage wear to a more
suitable “SEDITIONARIES”.
The store was a huge success indeed and Westwood still owns the store to this day and has had it’s name changed again in 1980 to ‘WORLDS END’ which continues to sell interesting and sought after garments to a wide range of customers that travel from near and far.
Vivienne Westwood’s long list of other achievements include her being crowned British designer of the year three times in 1990, 1991 and then again in 2006 for her out outstanding contribution to and influence on British fashion. In 1992 she also received an OBE which was a memorable occasion, partly due to her accidently exposing herself to the Queen. In 2003 Westwood was awarded the UK Fashion Export Award for Design and 2004 saw the Vivienne Westwood retrospective opens at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Westwood also became a member of the board of trustees for Liberty in 2005. In 2006 she had her ‘OBE’ upgraded and she received her ‘DBE’ – now making her a Dame. More recently she was asked to re-design the BRIT AWARD for the 2011 ceremony owing to her attitude, creativity and association with all things British echoing what the awards stand for.
with so many achievements to date its hard not to view Dame Vivienne Westwood as probably one of the most influential women in Britain. Bearing in mind her origins and the way in which she became involved in fashion, self-taught she has excelled and has continued to grow in all areas of her work. Her name is known globally and her work iconic, she has literally dressed millions. She has equally put huge amount of effort in to saving what’s left of the planet and helping the less fortunate through her charity work.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAME VIV, LONG LIVE THE QUEEN OF FASHION!!
Fab article, very informative and celebrates the ultimate leader of fashion.
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