Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has died aged 81
Iconic British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has died aged 81.
The news was confirmed today (29 December) by the Westwood label in a post shared on Twitter which reads: "29th December 2022. Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London.
"The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better."
It also shared a quote from the late designer, full name Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood DBE RDI, referring to the Tao spiritual system.
"There was never more need for the Tao today. Tao gives you a feeling that you belong to the cosmos and gives purpose to your life," it states.
"It gives you such a sense of identity and strength to know you're living the life you can live and therefore ought to be living.
"Make full use of your character and full use of your life on earth."
The brand added: "Vivienne, we love you."
Tributes continue to pour in for Westwood, who was an integral part of the punk movement in the UK during the late 1970s.
She helped to shape punk fashion after opening SEX, a boutique on King's Road which she ran alongside Malcolm McLaren, former manager of New York Dolls and the Sex Pistols.
Westwood went on to create a number of independent collections while branching out into new territories and establishing her self-named brand.
Today she is famous for being the 'mother of punk' and for her daring and imaginative designs, while also using her platform to raise awareness over environmental and human rights issues.
Comments continue to pour in for the icon, with one writing on Twitter: "Another legend gone far too soon.
"Rest in peace Vivienne Westwood, you have inspired many and will continue to inspire future generations."
Another said: "I'm at a lost of words with the news of the passing of Vivienne Westwood, may she rest in peace, her legacy will live on forever.
"Wishing all the love and strength to the family in this time of grieving, truly the loss of a legend."
A third person added: "She was a fashion genius that created the punk identity through her fashion and aesthetic."
While a fourth said: "Nooo Vivienne Westwood was so damn cool. She was a working class fashion designer, which is extremely rare, and her designs were punk and goth and god, just endlessly covetable.
"RIP to one of the raddest people to ever do it."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Daisy Phillipson