Almost a decade after I first came across my first runway show gallery online, fashion continues to be the absolute love of my life.
I was 13 years old, scrolling through Tumblr, when I came across a 10-picture gallery of someone’s favorite looks from the Chanel Fall 2014 ready-to-wear collection. At the time, I remember being fascinated by these clothes. I mean, up until this point, I had no knowledge of the fashion industry. All I knew was Tumblr fashion trends and that Forever 21 was the place to shop.
Feeling curious, I began looking into Chanel and its collections more. From there, I began following publications, such as Vogue, i-D, Dazed, Paper and Interview to name a few. As I continued to keep up with these publications, and the fashion world, I grew obsessed! Despite being young and flip-flopping through interests throughout my adolescence, fashion stuck with me. Even during times where I had put it on the back burner, its presence and impact stuck with me.
As my taste evolved throughout the years, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the work and lives of many designers. When you take the time to look into your favorite designers, you come to find out that many of them have interesting stories and journeys into the world of fashion.
My favorite story belongs to British fashion’s greatest, the godmother of punk fashion, Dame Vivienne Westwood. Westwood remains one of the fashion world’s most prolific, beloved and talented designers. In the past couple of years, her popularity has exploded, due in large part to the internet’s obsession with the iconic Vivienne Westwood pearl choker. Is the name starting to ring a bell?
Hers is what I consider one of fashion’s most inspiring stories. I want to give credit to the ‘threaducation’ YouTube channel’s incredible deep dive into Vivienne Westwood, of which I am giving you a condensed version. You can watch the biography here: youtu.be/yqOkbmfMM2k.
In 1941, Vivienne Isabel Swire was born into a working-class family in Derbyshire, England. At age 17, her family moved to London, and following her affinity for design, she enrolled in the Harrow School of Art. Westwood dropped out after one semester, realizing that a career in the arts may not be the best way to support herself and her family, so she switched gears. She became an elementary school teacher and, in 1962, married her first husband, Derek Westwood, with whom she had a son.
Despite living a rather domestic lifestyle, Westwood remained curious about the world and held her love for design close to her. In 1965, she met and developed a relationship with Malcolm McLaren, a free-spirited, rock ’n’ roll-obsessed art student. McLaren and Westwood would go on to own the iconic London boutique Let It Rock in 1971, which would later be known as Sex, and much later, as Seditionaries.
It was at this boutique that Westwood would begin her career as a full-time designer and where she would earn her title as the “godmother of punk fashion.” Westwood designed punk-inspired garments for the boutique, and her clothing quickly became the everyday wear of Britain’s punk scene. Folks across England would travel to London for Westwood’s designs. Westwood would later go on to design the stage outfits of the infamous Sex Pistols throughout the band’s short-lived music career.
Fast forward a couple of years, after various name changes and the end of the Sex Pistols, the boutique eventually ended up in Westwood’s sole possession. Westwood changed the boutique’s name to World’s End, which is still in operation today.
She separated from McLaren in 1983, and the ’80s saw Westwood steer away from punk fashion as she began to experiment with historical dress. It is during this era that Westwood would begin working with and reimagining historical garments, such as the corset, which she would later become known for.
By the time the ’90s came around, Westwood’s talent and presence were hard to ignore. Combining her decadent historically inspired designs with theatrical, fun and supermodel-studded runway shows, Westwood won over the fashion world’s hearts.
In 1993, the designer married Andreas Kronthaler, her longtime romantic and design partner. The two would make up one of fashion’s most beautiful love stories, filled with respect, adoration and collaboration. The two would work together to expand the Westwood empire and launch the label into the 21st century.
On Dec. 29, 2022, the news broke of Westwood’s passing. She was 81. This was a heavy loss for the fashion world, considering a star as bright as she could never be replaced.
Westwood remains one of my favorite designers. Her designs are lively, ravishing and timeless. Despite achieving worldwide commercial success, Westwood never let go of her vision for the label. She refused to water down her vision, leaving the world no choice but to bow down to her.
While I am not sure what the future of the Vivienne Westwood label looks like, its history is rich, dazzling and inspiring. Westwood’s story is not just a success story, but a glimpse at what could happen if you choose to take a leap and follow your passion.
The designer was gifted, glamorous, punk and, above all else, fearless. I encourage you to take some time to look further into Westwood’s story and, especially, her collections. It may just be the start of your own fashion journey.
