BOY George and Sex Pistols’ star Glen Matlock have led tributes to iconic fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood.
The fashion icon died “peacefully and surrounded by her family” aged 81 yesterday.
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Among those sending her family well-wishes and remembering Vivienne’s impact on the world are music stars who formerly worked with her.
In a post on Twitter, Culture Club singer Boy George wrote: “RIP to the great and inspiring Vivienne Westwood who led us through punk and beyond.
“Without question she is the undisputed Queen of British fashion.”
Spice Girls singer and fashion designer Victoria Beckham shared: ‘I’m so sad to learn of the passing of legendary designer and activist Dame Vivienne Westwood.
“My thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time VB.”
Billy Idol, who launched his career from within the London punk rock music scene, said: “RIP it will take me a bit to take this in…”
Sex and the City legend Kim Cattrall shared to social media: “A true genius who never lost her northern grit.
“Short story – An LA stylist had sent me 3 dresses from various designers for the London/Berlin/NY premiers of a film.
“The clothes arrived at my London hotel unclean, were unflattering and in need of alteration.
“I was crest fallen until a mutual friend took me immediately to see @viviennewestwood atelier and Vivienne made me a new dress in 3 days and 2 others beside for each of the upcoming openings.
“I’ve never forgotten her generosity and kindness in making that happen and saving the day. RIP Vivienne. You are a legend.”
Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock, 66, labelled Vivienne “a one-off, single-minded, talented lady”.
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Actress Rose McGowan, 49, wrote: “What a hellraiser, what a talent.”
Fellow fashion icon Marc Jacobs wrote: “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.
“My deepest sympathies to Andreas and your family.”
Vivienne was praised for her fresh ideas and her part in taking punk fashion into the mainstream.
She stood out when she made clothes for Malcolm McLaren’s boutique on the King’s Road, which became famous as “SEX”.
It was their ability to synthesise clothing and music that shaped the 1970s UK punk scene, dominated by McLaren’s band, the Sex Pistols.
Vivienne was deeply inspired by the shock-value of punk—”seeing if one could put a spoke in the system”.
Today her death was announced on her brand’s social media page.
The statement read: “Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London.
“Vivienne continued to do the things she loved, up until the last moment, designing, working on her art, writing her book, and changing the world for the better.
“She led an amazing life. Her innovation and impact over the last 6 years has been immense and will continue into the future.”
Meanwhile Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne’s husband and creative partner said: “I will continue with Vivienne in my heart.
“We have been working until the end and she has given me plenty of things to get on with. Thank you darling.”
A cause of death was not disclosed.
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