British fashion designer, Dame Vivienne Westwood, died at the age of 81 on December 29, 2022 in London
In the fashion world, people regard her as the godmother of punk. Her eye for the provocative and the controversial stirred a new form of fashion during her time, and we still see the remnants of it to this day. The British fashion designer, Dame Vivienne Westwood, was a catalyst in the fashion industry and beyond it.
Though just this morning, which was still the 29th of December in the UK, the world received the news of the passing of the beloved designer. At the age of 81, Dame Vivienne Westwood passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family in Clapham, South London.
Power in punk
The self-made designer started her journey in 1971 when she and Malcolm McLaren of the Sex Pistols opened a boutique that housed the creations the band wore. And while the boutique went through a series of changes in terms of names, the designs of Vivienne Westwood were ever so unique due to her fascination with British Royalty and the French regime.
It’s quite the contrast to such regal elements in a rebellious form of style, but Vivienne Westwood made it work seamlessly. Her blend of historical references and classic tailoring challenged the very techniques in the fashion industry, as well as the obvious political messages seen on the designs. In her own view of fashion, concepts and garments are beyond the styles—they are also instruments used for something greater. One of the few advocacy’s Vivienne Westwood has actively fought for is climate change.
There are many more moments of Vivienne Westwood that truly helped shape the punk aesthetic and people’s view of fashion in the modern day. With that, it is only fitting we walk down memory lane to honor the godmother of punk and her memorable creations.
F/W 1981, Pirate
Vivienne Westwood’s first catwalk show might have been one of the most significant moments in punk rebel history. Her exploration in art and history, mainly British and French, resulted in a collection that was uniquely whimsical and vibrant as a parade of pirate bandits made their way down the runway. This very look became a staple for many pop stars such as Boy George and the Ants.
F/W 1990-1991, Portrait
This was a collection that quite literally placed art on garment. Her love for corsets flourished in this line as they were adorned in French paintings during the 18th century. Reminiscent of the Rococo period, the art movement was brought to life with corsets and velvet garments—hyper feminine yet elegant in Vivienne Westwood’s own way.
F/W 1993-1994, Anglomania
A combination of the British tailoring and the French love for anything couture, Vivienne Westwood created a new form of style that was out daringly exquisite. From large billowy silhouettes to playful pattern combinations, this was the start of a new fad that made quite the noise in the ‘90s. Another moment that fashion enthusiasts might know is that this was the very show where esteemed supermodel Naomi Campbell tripped on because of the literal high heels she wore on the catwalk.
S/S 1994, Café Society
Despite the negative criticism from the media, the Café Society collection is still one of the most iconic designs Vivienne Westwood made. All for the theatrics and the drama, the line had a range of pieces that were reminiscent of theater such as the bustier done in intricate knits, stockings decorated with gorgeous prints and trimmings, and voluminous puffed skirts for the evening gowns. But the scene that might have angered the press, albeit iconic to fashion enthusiasts, was when Kate Moss stepped out wearing nothing but an ultra miniskirt, and a Magnum on one hand while the other was covering her bare breasts.
F/W 2005-2006, Propaganda
Her use of fashion in her advocacy truly radiated in her Propaganda collection. While maintaining her expertise on unique combinations of patterns and vibrant colors, the collection was both structured with military-inspired pieces yet relaxed, as seen on their use of layering silks and scarves. The designer didn’t shy away from the campaign, seeing that slogans of the word “Propaganda” decorated some of the ensembles in the collection.
Photos from VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
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Priestess of Punk: Remembering Dame Vivienne Westwood
Source: Insta News Pinoy
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