Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Vivienne Westwood

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Vivienne Westwood made an impact.

Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood (1941-2022) was a highly influential English fashion designer and businesswoman. She is credited with introducing modern punk and new wave aesthetics into mainstream fashion. Her designs often incorporated political and social commentary, solidifying her status as a cultural icon and activist. In 2022, she was recognized as one of the most influential artists in Britain of the past half-century.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1958: Family moved to Harrow

In 1958, Vivienne Westwood's family moved to Harrow, Greater London. She briefly attended Harrow Art School before leaving and later became a primary school teacher while creating and selling her own jewellery at a stall on Portobello Road.

1967: Birth of Joseph Corré

In 1967, Joseph Corré, Vivienne Westwood's son with her second husband Malcolm McLaren, was born. He later founded the lingerie brand Agent Provocateur.

1971: Opening of Let It Rock Boutique

In 1971, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren opened their first boutique, 'Let It Rock'. The early creations sold at the shop were influenced by the youth subculture fashions of the 1950s, reflecting the rebellious nature of the era.

1971: Westwood Continues to Teach and Design

Until 1971, Vivienne Westwood continued to work as a teacher and design clothes created by Malcolm McLaren. McLaren later became the manager of the punk band the Sex Pistols, leading to increased attention for their designs.

1972: Let It Rock Refashioned as Too Fast To Live Too Young To Die

In 1972, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren refashioned their boutique 'Let It Rock' into 'Too Fast To Live Too Young To Die', paying homage to James Dean. The boutique focused on the rocker aesthetic of the 1960s but still sold Teddy Boy-inspired garments. Westwood's sleeveless T-shirts with political statements conveyed the new design inspirations.

1974: Re-opening of Boutique as Sex

In 1974, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren re-modelled their boutique and re-opened it as 'Sex'. The pieces sold in Sex were provocative and challenging, with designs based on fetish and sado-masochism, intending to provoke the middle class and inspire political action among young punks. Garments included rubber skirts and dresses, as well as t-shirts with pornographic material printed on them.

1976: Sex Transforms into Seditionaries

In 1976, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren's boutique 'Sex' transformed into 'Seditionaries'. The clothing sold at Seditionaries retained references to historicism, gender norm challenges, and fetish elements but was made from different cloths and fibres. Key pieces included bondage trousers, mohair jumpers, and long-sleeved tops with graphic screen-printed designs.

1976: Tits t-shirt sold at Seditionaries

In 1976, the Tits t-shirt designed by McLaren went on sale at Seditionaries.

1980: Boutique Renamed Worlds End

In 1980, Vivienne Westwood's boutique at 430 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, was renamed Worlds End following a brief closure period. It had previously undergone several name and interior design changes throughout the 1970s and continues to operate to this day.

1980: Tits t-shirt sold at Seditionaries

In 1980, the Tits t-shirt designed by McLaren went on sale at Seditionaries.

1980: Harris Tweed Logo Usage

In the late 1980s, Vivienne Westwood commenced use of a logo, acknowledging her connections with and affection for Harris Tweed. Despite initial reactions within the Harris Tweed industry, both brands have successfully collaborated, and are expected to continue to do so.

1981: First Fashion Collection: Pirate

In 1981, Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood showcased their first fashion collection to the media, titled 'Pirate'. The collection combined 18th and 19th century dress, British history, textiles, and African prints, marking Westwood's exploration of historic sources in modern couture.

1981: "New Romantic" Period

Vivienne Westwood dubbed the period 1981–85 as "New Romantic", during which time she created the famous look of the band Adam and the Ants.

1982: Buffalo/Nostalgia Of Mud Collection

In spring 1982, Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood presented the 'Buffalo/Nostalgia Of Mud' collection in Paris and London.

1983: Witches Collection

In early 1983, Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood showcased the 'Witches' collection in Paris and London.

1984: Worlds End 1984 (Hypnos) Collection

In late 1983 (shown as Worlds End 1984), Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood presented the collection later renamed 'Hypnos' in Paris and London.

1985: Ballet Petrushka inspiration

From 1985 to 1987, Westwood took inspiration from the ballet Petrushka to design the mini-crini, an abbreviated version of the Victorian crinoline.

1985: Clint Eastwood Collection

In late 1984 to early 1985, Vivienne Westwood showcased the 'Clint Eastwood' collection under the Worlds End label after her partnership with Malcolm McLaren was dissolved.

1987: Ballet Petrushka inspiration

From 1985 to 1987, Westwood took inspiration from the ballet Petrushka to design the mini-crini, an abbreviated version of the Victorian crinoline.

1987: Harris Tweed Collection Launch

In Autumn-Winter 1987/88, Vivienne Westwood showcased the 'Harris Tweed' collection, establishing a relationship with Harris tweed and the Harris Tweed Authority. The collection is credited with reviving the fabric's use in fashion. The use of the Orb logo sparked controversy due to its similarity to the Harris Tweed Authority's mark.

1988: "The Pagan Years"

Vivienne Westwood dubbed the period 1988–91 as "The Pagan Years" during which "Vivienne's heroes changed from punks and ragamuffins to Tatler girls wearing clothes that parodied the upper class".

April 1989: Westwood dresses as Margaret Thatcher for Tatler cover

In April 1989, Vivienne Westwood appeared on the cover of Tatler magazine dressed as then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, wearing a suit that was originally ordered for Thatcher. The cover was later recognized as one of the best UK magazine covers.

1990: Images Held in National Portrait Gallery

In 1990, the National Portrait Gallery held 18 images of Vivienne Westwood taken between 1990 and 2014.

1992: Westwood appointed OBE

In the 1992 Birthday Honours, Vivienne Westwood was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to fashion design and received her medal from Queen Elizabeth II. Westwood wore sheer tights and a reinforced bikini top under her skirt to the ceremony.

1993: Designs for Duran Duran

In 1993, Vivienne Westwood designed suits and outfits for Duran Duran's tour for 'The Wedding Album' and the band's videos for "Ordinary World", "Come Undone", and "Too Much Information".

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2002: Latimo Setup

In 2002, Latimo, an offshore company, was set up. Vivienne Westwood was the majority shareholder.

2002: Trademark Rights Sold to Latimo

In 2002, Vivienne Westwood's UK business sold the rights to her trademarks to Luxembourg-based Latimo, controlled by her, for £840,000.

September 2005: Westwood launches "I AM NOT A TERRORIST" T-shirts with Liberty

In September 2005, Vivienne Westwood collaborated with Liberty, a British civil rights group, to launch limited-edition T-shirts and baby wear bearing the slogan "I AM NOT A TERRORIST, please don't arrest me" to support habeas corpus. Proceeds from the £50 T-shirts were donated to the organization.

2005: Dita Von Teese Wedding Gown

In 2005, Dita Von Teese wore a purple Vivienne Westwood gown for her formal wedding ceremony to Marilyn Manson.

2006: Westwood advanced to Dame Commander

In the 2006 New Year Honours, Vivienne Westwood advanced from OBE to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to British fashion.

2007: Westwood switches support to Conservatives

In 2007, Vivienne Westwood stated on television that she had switched her support from the Labour Party to the Conservatives due to concerns about civil liberties and human rights.

2007: Design of King's College Gown

In 2007, Vivienne Westwood was approached by King's College London to design an academic gown for the college.

2007: Westwood awarded Fellowship at King's College London

In 2007, Vivienne Westwood was awarded a Fellowship at King's College London.

2007: Westwood speaks out against consumerism

In a 2007 interview, Vivienne Westwood spoke out against consumerism, acknowledging a contradiction between her anti-consumerist views and her business as a designer.

2008: Westwood awarded honorary degree from Heriot-Watt University

In 2008, Heriot-Watt University awarded Vivienne Westwood an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters for her contribution to the industry and use of Scottish textiles.

2008: Vivienne Westwood Opus published

In 2008, Vivienne Westwood Opus, a limited edition book documenting Vivienne Westwood's work and featuring large-format Polaroid photographs of Westwood and various celebrities, was published for London Fashion Week.

2008: Westwood designs academic gowns for King's College

In 2008, Vivienne Westwood designed 20 new academic gowns and hoods for King's College London students to wear at their graduation ceremonies.

2008: Unveiling of King's College Gowns

In 2008, the Vivienne Westwood-designed academic dresses for King's College London were unveiled. Westwood commented on linking the past, present, and future through her design.

2008: Westwood campaigns at CND demonstration

On Easter Sunday in 2008, Vivienne Westwood personally campaigned at the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) demonstration at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston, Berkshire.

December 2009: Active Resistance to Propaganda staged at Bloomsbury Ballroom

On December 4, 2009, Vivienne Westwood's manifesto, "Active Resistance to Propaganda," was staged as a play at the Bloomsbury Ballroom by Forbidden London and Dave West, starring Michelle Ryan.

January 2011: Westwood featured in television documentary

In January 2011, Vivienne Westwood was featured in a Canadian-made television documentary called Vivienne Westwood's London where she takes the viewer through her favourite parts of London.

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July 2011: Presentation at The Brandery

In July 2011, Vivienne Westwood's collections were presented at The Brandery fashion show in Barcelona.

2011: Payments to Latimo

Since 2011, Vivienne Westwood Ltd had continued to pay £2 million a year to offshore company Latimo for the right to use Westwood's name on her own fashion label.

March 2012: End of Franchise Relationship with Hervia

In March 2012, Vivienne Westwood Group reached an agreement to end a long-standing UK franchise relationship with Hervia. The resolution of a legal dispute led to a jump in Vivienne Westwood Ltd's pre-tax profits.

2012: Westwood chosen as one of The New Elizabethans

Also in 2012, Vivienne Westwood was chosen as one of The New Elizabethans to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing her significant impact on life in the UK.

2012: Westwood advocates for Assange's release at London Fashion Week

In 2012, Vivienne Westwood used her appearances at London Fashion Week to push for Julian Assange's release by presenting "I am Julian Assange" t-shirts.

2012: Westwood appears on Sgt. Pepper's album cover remake

In 2012, Vivienne Westwood was selected by Sir Peter Blake to appear in a new version of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover, celebrating British cultural figures.

June 2013: Westwood dedicates collection to Chelsea Manning

In June 2013, Vivienne Westwood dedicated one of her collections to Chelsea Manning, with models wearing badges of Manning at her fashion show.

October 2014: Publication of Westwood's biography by Ian Kelly

In October 2014, the authorized biography "Vivienne Westwood" by Ian Kelly was published by Picador, later receiving criticism for inaccuracies.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD / IAN KELLY

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2014: Westwood buys controlling interest in Trillion Fund

In 2014, Vivienne Westwood acquired a controlling interest in the equity crowdfunding platform Trillion Fund.

2014: Images Held in National Portrait Gallery

In 2014, the National Portrait Gallery held 18 images of Vivienne Westwood taken between 1990 and 2014.

January 2015: Westwood supports the Green Party

In January 2015, Vivienne Westwood publicly announced her support for the Green Party, stating it was in the best interests of the country and economy, and donated £300,000 to fund their election campaign.

February 2015: Westwood excluded from Green Party tour

In February 2015, Vivienne Westwood was excluded from appearing on the Green Party's 'We Are The Revolution' campaigning tour due to concerns about her tax affairs, which conflicted with party policy.

March 2015: Opening of Manhattan Outpost

In March 2015, Vivienne Westwood announced the opening of a three-story store in midtown Manhattan, New York City.

March 2015: Statement on Business Affairs

In March 2015, Vivienne Westwood said that it was important to her that her business affairs were in line with her personal values and that she was subject to UK tax on all of her income.

December 2015: Retail Store Operations

As of December 2015, Vivienne Westwood Ltd operated 12 retail stores in the UK, including an outlet store in Bicester Village, and 63 shops worldwide.

2016: Tits t-shirt acquired by Metropolitan Museum of Art

In 2016, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York acquired a Tits t-shirt, which was designed by McLaren and sold at Seditionaries between 1976 and 1980.

2016: New Shop in Paris

In early 2016, a new 3,200-square-foot Vivienne Westwood shop opened in Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, also housing the company's offices and showrooms.

June 2017: Westwood endorses Jeremy Corbyn

In June 2017, Vivienne Westwood endorsed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for the 2017 general election, citing her excitement about the Labour Party manifesto's focus on the fair distribution of wealth.

2018: "Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist" documentary premiered

In 2018, a documentary film about Vivienne Westwood, titled "Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist", premiered.

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April 2019: Westwood visits Assange in Belmarsh Prison

In April 2019, Vivienne Westwood visited Julian Assange in Belmarsh Prison, showing her continued support for him.

November 2019: Westwood supports Corbyn in general election

In November 2019, Vivienne Westwood, along with other public figures, signed a letter supporting Jeremy Corbyn and endorsing him in the 2019 UK general election.

2019: Dissolution of Trillion Fund

In 2019, the Trillion Fund, in which Vivienne Westwood held a controlling interest, was dissolved.

July 2020: Westwood protests Assange's extradition

In July 2020, Vivienne Westwood protested outside London's Old Bailey court against Julian Assange's possible extradition to the United States, wearing a yellow pantsuit and suspending herself in a giant birdcage.

2020: CIRCA Commission and Piccadilly Lights Presentation

In 2020, to celebrate her 80th birthday, Vivienne Westwood was commissioned by CIRCA to present a video work on the Piccadilly Lights screen in Piccadilly Circus, London. The film featured a rewritten rendition of "Without You" from My Fair Lady, and delivered a message about environmental catastrophe, the arms trade, and climate change.

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March 2022: Westwood designs outfits for Assange's wedding

In March 2022, Vivienne Westwood and her husband, Andreas Kronthaler, designed the outfits for Julian Assange's wedding to Stella Moris in Belmarsh Prison.

2022: "ART LOVERS UNITE!" documentary world premiere

In 2022, the documentary "ART LOVERS UNITE!" starring Vivienne Westwood, directed by Patrick J. Thomas & Dacob, had its world premiere at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival in Australia.

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