Queen of punk, icon of rebellion,
revolution blooming on the streets of London, new era Westwood
drawn with scissors and safety pins ! She is a rebel of fashion

Tartan and Corset,
Dance Past and Present

Written by AID magazine

Vivienne Westwood (8 April 1941 – 29 December 2022) was more than just a fashion designer. She was a revolutionary figure, not just in the fashion world but also in life. She was a British fashion designer and businesswoman who played a major role in bringing modern punk and new wave fashion into the mainstream.

In 2022, Sky Arts named her the fourth most influential artist in the UK over the past 50 years. Westwood was first introduced to the public through Malcolm McLaren's boutique on King's Road, known as 'Sex'.

Their ability to combine clothing and music shaped the 1970s British punk scene, including McLaren's band the Sex Pistols.

Westwood opened four stores in London as a way to “see if we could get punk into the system”. Eventually, they expanded to the UK and around the world, selling a variety of products, some of which promoted political causes such as nuclear disarmament campaigns, climate change and civil rights groups.

Join Aid Promise as she shares her journey from humble origins to global icon, her creativity, Westwood's rebellion, and her principles and unwavering convictions.

Vivienne Westwood's life and career

Westwood was born on 8 April 1941 in Hollingworth, Cheshire. She was the daughter of Gordon and Dora Swire (née Ball). When Vivienne was born, her father was working in an aircraft factory.

In 1958, her family moved to Harrow, Greater London. Westwood took a course in jewellery and silversmithing at the University of Westminster, but left after one term.

Childhood and the beginning of a career

Vivien's childhood in Cheshire and later Greater London shaped her practical yet daring approach to life.

After studying at teachers' college, Vivienne initially worked as a teacher for several years, then worked in a factory.

But her real passion was making jewellery and clothing. During this time, she made her own jewellery and sold it from a stall on Portobello Road, heralding the future of fashion.

In 1962, she met Derek Westwood, a Hoover factory apprentice in Harrow, and they were married on July 21, 1962. She made her own wedding dress. They had a son, Benjamin, in 1963.

©google, Vivienne Westwood

punk revolution

Vivienne Westwood's real breakthrough came in the early 1970s when she met Malcolm McLaren.

Marriage: Malcolm McLaren

Westwood and Derek's marriage ended after they met Malcolm McLaren. Westwood and McLaren moved to Thurleigh Court, Balham, where their son Joseph Corre was born in 1967.

Westwood continued to teach until 1971, and also had clothes designed by McLaren. McLaren became the manager of the punk band Sex Pistols, and the band wore Westwood and McLaren's designs, putting them in the spotlight.

A punk movement boutique called 'Sex'

Together, the pair opened a boutique on King's Road, later known as "Sex". The boutique became a hotbed of the punk movement, with provocative designs that challenged social norms and broke boundaries. The boutique was a gathering place for early members of the London punk scene.

The Westwood boutiques regularly changed their names and interior designs throughout the 1970s to reflect collections and design inspirations. McLaren and Westwood helped define and market the punk look with designs sold in boutiques such as Let It Rock, Too Fast To Live Too Young To Die, Sex, and later Seditionaries.

The boutique still stands today at 430 Kings Road, Chelsea, London.

Let It Rock, a provocative punk design that challenges social norms and breaks boundaries

The influence of Westwood and McLaren's work, particularly on the punk band Sex Pistols, was groundbreaking. She saw punk as a means to challenge the system, provoke thought and bring about change.

The boutique, which evolved into various forms such as 'Let It Rock', 'Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die', reflected their dynamic and rebellious spirit.

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Beyond Punk: Evolution and Innovation

Westwood was thus a pioneer of the punk fashion phenomenon of the 1970s.

“I was messianic about punk and wanted to see if I could somehow drive a wedge into the system,” she said.

As a designer whose clothing reflected the economic, social and political context of 1970s Britain, Westwood resonated with disillusioned youth through her unique style of dress and musical expression.

Westwood design influenced by historicism

Westwood's designs are influenced by historicism; the V&A describes him as a "meticulous researcher".

Let It Rock

Westwood began challenging gender norms and encouraging experimentation in her designs, which were initially created in collaboration with McLaren.

Let It Rock's early creations were reminiscent of 1950s youth subculture fashions. In 1972, Let It Rock was reborn as Too Fast To Live Too Young To Die.

Inspiring punks to take political action

The products sold at Sex were deliberately radical and provocative, with designs based on fetishism and sadomasochism. They were intended to appeal to the comfortable middle class, challenge the status quo, and inspire young punks to take political action.

In 1976, the clothing sold at Seditionaries retained familiar elements of Sex: historicism, challenges to gender norms, and fetish.

During this period, Westwood's designs quickly became quintessential punk, featuring bondage trousers, loose-knit jumpers, and graphic screen-printed designs.

Westwood Design Evolution

As the punk movement began to decline, Westwood's designs evolved. She drew inspiration from the 18th and 19th centuries, exploring historical fashions and reinterpreting them with a contemporary sensibility.

The 1981 "Pirates" collection marked a new era, demonstrating the brand's ability to combine historical references with contemporary fashion.

Westwood’s work is characterized by a deep understanding and respect for historical costumes. She seamlessly incorporates elements such as corsets, bustiers, and Harris Tweed into her collections, and adds her own unique touch each time.

Her collaboration with Harris Tweed brought traditional fabrics to life, and proved that her influence went beyond mere fashion trends.

From social movement issues to sustainable fashion

Westwood’s influence extends beyond fashion to social activism. She has spoken out on a range of social issues, including environmental protection, climate change, and human rights. Her commitment to sustainable fashion in particular has had a major impact on the industry.

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Westwood Fashion Collection

Westwood's designs were independent and expressed her own values. She occasionally collaborated with Gary Ness. Her first fashion collection was Pirate, which combined 18th and 19th century costumes, British history and African motifs. She went on to create collections such as Savages, Buffalo/Nostalgia Of Mud, Punkature, Witches and Worlds End 1984.

Model Naomi Campbell and fashion designer, Vivenne Westwood in 1993

Westwood explores historical sources for inspiration in contemporary couture, which is evident in her incorporation of neck ruffs, corsets, bustles, breeches and panniers into her eclectic collections.

Brand: Vivienne Westwood Company

The Westwood brand has also grown steadily in business, reaching €46 million in sales in 2017 through expansion into global markets, expansion of various product lines and opening of new stores.

In March 2012, the Wedtwood Group and Vivienne Westwood Group agreed to end their long-standing UK franchise relationship with Hervia.

Westwood announced that it would stop expanding its business to address environmental and sustainability issues. In March 2015, the company announced that it would open a three-story store in midtown Manhattan, New York City.

A new store was opened in early 2016 in the same building that houses the company's offices and showroom on Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris. As of December 2015, Vivienne Westwood Ltd operates 12 retail stores in the UK and 63 stores worldwide.

Westwood's Influence and Legacy

Westwood’s legacy, which passed away in December 2022, continues through her namesake foundation, the Vivienne Foundation, which continues to spread the values ​​she pursued throughout her life.

An icon of punk fashion, her designs have had a global impact. She has created designs that push the boundaries of traditional fashion and convey political and social messages.

Her work has had a major influence on subcultural fashions such as punk, new wave, and gothic, contributing to the expansion of diversity and creativity in modern fashion.

Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood Spring-Summer 2022 Catwalk Show | Vivienne Westwood®

She was a pioneer who constantly pushed boundaries and challenged conventions. Her designs were not just clothes, but statements with political and social commentary.

Whether using traditional Scottish fabrics, reinterpreting classic garments or a bold punk aesthetic, Westwood's work has always been imbued with meaning.

From Punk to Sustainability, Icons of the Fashion Revolution

Her boutiques have become cultural landmarks, particularly the original store on King's Road, which still operates today under the name "World's End".

Westwood’s legacy is her commitment to environmental and social causes. She has used her platform to advocate for climate change awareness, civil rights, and other important issues.

Westwood has received numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2022, Sky Arts named her the fourth most influential artist in Britain over the past 50 years. She has also been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to fashion and culture.

Revolutionary who drew a 'better world'

Vivienne Westwood's journey from small-town girl to global fashion icon is a testament to her vision, creativity and indomitable spirit.

Vivienne Westwood is more than just a fashion designer; she is a cultural icon. Her life is a great example of how creativity, innovation, and social responsibility can all come together.

Fashion icon Vivienne Westwood drives a TANK to David Cameron's home as the battle against fracking takes a bizarre turn 패션 아이콘 비비안 웨스트우드가 탱크를 몰고 데이비드 캐머런의 집으로

Her journey from punk to sustainability has left a deep mark on the fashion world. She has redefined fashion, making it a tool for social change and personal expression.

And it continues to inspire designers and fashion lovers around the world today, reminding us that true style is not just about wearing clothes, but about expressing them.

Vivienne Westwood was not just a designer. She was a revolutionary who used fashion as a canvas to create a better, bolder world.

The voice of the runway calling out for the environment Your dresses
break the rules and break the boundaries, and
freedom is in yours
Your vision ahead of its time You
changed culture beyond fashion
Westwood, your legacy
will shine on us like a shining star forever!

에이드 프라미스 매거진 | Aid Promise