by Some of the biggest names in the fashion industry have paid tribute to designer Dame Vivienne Westwood following her death at the age of 81.
Lady Vivienne she died peacefully surrounded by her family in Clapham, south Londonits representatives said in a statement on Thursday.
American fashion designer Marc Jacobs said he was “heartbroken” at the news of her death, writing in an Instagram post: “You did it first. Always. Incredible style with bright and meaningful substance.
“I continue to learn from your words and all your amazing creations.
“I will always remember the night we bonded over our mutual love for Yves Saint Laurent.
“You have never failed to surprise and shock. I am grateful for the moments I got to share with you and (her husband and creative partner Andreas Kronthaler).
“Rest in peace dear Vivienne, even if somehow peace seems like the wrong word.”
As well as her fashion, the Derbyshire-born designer was known for her campaigning, defending issues such as pollution and climate change, as well as supporting WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
She once dressed as Margaret Thatcher for a magazine cover and drove a white tank by former Prime Minister David Cameron’s home to protest fracking.
Fellow British fashion designer Stella McCartney has posted a collection of iconic images of Westwood throughout her years on Instagram.
He described her as “one of the rarest British fashion icons ever” before concluding the dedication with “God save Westwood … Punk rock will never die”.
Following in his daughter’s footsteps, Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney also took to social media, sharing an image of him and Westwood. She captioned it: ‘Goodbye Vivienne Westwood. A courageous woman who rocked the fashion world and defiantly stood up for what was right. Love Paul x.’
Dame Vivienne also showed her rebellious nature when she received an OBE from the Queen in 1992.
She showed up sans underwear, a fact she revealed with a twist of her skirt for photographers.
“The only reason they’re trendy is to destroy the word ‘conformity,'” she said in her bio.
“Nothing is interesting to me unless it has that element.”
Spice Girl and stylist Victoria Beckham wrote on Instagram: “So sad to learn of the passing of legendary fashion designer and activist Dame Vivienne Westwood. My thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time VB.”
Singer Boy George tweeted: “RIP to the great and inspiring Vivienne Westwood who guided us through punk and beyond.
“Mocked by the fashion industry, but unquestionably the undisputed queen of British fashion. I love you! Oh bondage up!”
Girl band Bananarama described Dame Vivienne as “a true pioneer”, adding that she was “an incredible force in fashion and a longtime activist who will continue to inspire for generations”.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan also paid tribute to the designer.
Mr Khan described her as “a creative icon who helped cement the UK at the forefront of modern fashion”.
Donelan said: “Vivienne Westwood was and will remain a towering figure in British fashion.
“Her punk style rewrote the rulebook in the 1970s and she was widely admired for staying true to her values throughout her life.”
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has described Dame Vivienne as “a true revolutionary and rebellious force in fashion”.
One tweet read: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of legendary designer Vivienne Westwood. A true revolutionary and rebellious force in fashion.”
