Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Vivienne Westwood

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

Dame Vivienne Westwood (1941-2022) was a highly influential English fashion designer and businesswoman. She is credited with introducing punk and new wave aesthetics to mainstream fashion. Her designs often incorporated rebellious and provocative elements. She was a significant figure in the fashion industry, known for her avant-garde creations and impact on British culture. Sky Arts ranked her the 4th most influential artist in Britain of the last 50 years.

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 enrolled in a jewellery and silversmith course but dropped out, feeling that a working-class girl like her could not succeed in the art world. She later worked in a factory and studied at a teacher-training college, becoming a primary-school teacher, while creating and selling her own jewellery at a stall on Portobello Road.

1971: Opening of Let It Rock boutique

In 1971, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren opened their first boutique, 'Let It Rock'. It featured designs inspired by the 1950s Teddy Boys, incorporating the clothing, music, and décor of the immediate postwar era.

1971: Westwood continues teaching

In 1971, Vivienne Westwood was still teaching and created clothes which Malcolm McLaren designed.

1972: Boutique refashioned into Too Fast To Live Too Young To Die

In 1972, 'Let It Rock' was refashioned into 'Too Fast To Live Too Young To Die', in homage to the death of James Dean. The boutique focussed on the rocker aesthetic of the 1960s but continued to sell Teddy Boy-inspired garments under the 'Let It Rock' label. Vivienne Westwood created politically leaning t-shirts.

1974: Reopening of boutique as Sex

In 1974, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren's boutique was remodeled and reopened as 'Sex'. The pieces sold were abrasive and challenging, with designs grounded in fetish and sado-masochism, seeking to provoke a comfortable middle class and inspire young punks into political action. Garments included skirts and dresses made from rubber and t-shirts with pornographic material printed on them. The clothes often had large intentional rips and zippers.

1976: Sex transforms into Seditionaries

In 1976, the boutique 'Sex' transformed into 'Seditionaries: Clothes for Heroes', becoming a focal point of the punk scene. Clothing retailed at Seditionaries retained the familiar references of Sex, including historicism, the challenging of gender norms, and fetish, but were made from different cloths and fibres. Westwood signatures developed: bondage trousers, ‘unravelling’ loose-knit jumpers made of mohair, and long-sleeved tops fashioned from soft muslins.

1980: Boutique renamed Worlds End

In 1980, Vivienne Westwood's boutique, originally managed with Malcolm McLaren, was renamed 'Worlds End' following a brief closure. It remains at 430 Kings Road, Chelsea, London.

1980: Commencement of use of a logo

In the late 1980’s Vivienne Westwood commenced use of a logo which, acknowledged her connections with and affection for Harris Tweed cloth.

1981: Pirate fashion collection

In 1981, Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood showed their first fashion collection to the media, 'Pirate'. It combined 18th and 19th century dress, British history, and textiles with African prints. This was the first time Westwood explored historical sources in couture.

1981: "New Romantic" period started

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

1982: Buffalo/Nostalgia Of Mud collection

In spring 1982, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren produced collections in Paris and London with the thematic title 'Buffalo/Nostalgia Of Mud'.

1983: Witches collection

In early 1983, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren produced collections in Paris and London with the thematic title 'Witches'.

1984: Worlds End 1984 Collection

In late 1984, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren produced collections in Paris and London with the thematic title 'Worlds End 1984', later renamed Hypnos.

1985: Inspired by Petrushka ballet to design mini-crini

From 1985 to 1987, Vivienne 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–early 1985, after dissolving the partnership with McLaren, Vivienne Westwood showed the 'Clint Eastwood' collection under the Worlds End label.

1987: 'Harris Tweed' Collection

For Autumn-Winter 1987/88, Vivienne Westwood showcased the 'Harris Tweed' collection which launched her long-standing relationship with the Scottish cloth, Harris tweed, and the Harris Tweed Authority. In the collection, she had also adopted the use of the Orb logo.

1987: Inspired by Petrushka ballet to design mini-crini

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

1988: "The Pagan Years" Period started

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 dressed as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The suit she wore was originally ordered for Thatcher but not delivered yet. The cover was later included in The Guardian's list of the best ever UK magazine covers.

1989: The mini-crini was described

In 1989, The mini-crini was described as a combination of two conflicting ideals - the crinoline, representing a "mythology of restriction and encumbrance in woman's dress", and the miniskirt, representing an "equally dubious mythology of liberation".

1992: Westwood appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

In 1992, Vivienne Westwood was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to fashion design. At the Buckingham Palace ceremony, she famously wore sheer tights with a reinforced bikini top under her skirt.

1993: Designed suits and outfits for Duran Duran

In 1993, Vivienne Westwood designed many of the colorful suits and outfits that Duran Duran wore during their tour for The Wedding Album, as well as those that appeared in the three videos for that album: "Ordinary World", "Come Undone" and "Too Much Information".

2002: Latimo set up

In 2002, Latimo, which Westwood controlled as the majority shareholder in her companies, was set up.

2002: Sale of trademark rights to Latimo

In 2002, Vivienne Westwood's UK business sold the rights to her trademarks to Luxembourg-based Latimo, which she controlled, for £840,000. The HMRC argued that the brand had been undervalued.

September 2005: Westwood launches 'I AM NOT A TERRORIST' T-shirts

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' in support of habeas corpus. Sales of the £50 T-shirts raised funds for the organization.

2005: Dita Von Teese wore a Westwood gown for her wedding

In 2005, Dita Von Teese wore a purple Westwood gown for her formal wedding ceremony when she married Marilyn Manson.

2006: Westwood appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

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, citing concerns about civil liberties and human rights.

2007: Academic gown design request

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 what she viewed as the "drug of consumerism," advising people to buy less, even if they could afford her clothes.

2008: Westwood receives 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: Westwood designs gowns for King's College London

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 academic gowns

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

2008: Westwood campaigns at CND demonstration

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

2008: Vivienne Westwood Opus published

Vivienne Westwood Opus, a limited edition of 900 art books, was published for London Fashion Week in 2008. It documents Westwood's work and features large-format Polaroid photographs of Westwood, friends, and models like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss.

December 2009: Active Resistance to Propaganda staged as a play

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. The play starred Michelle Ryan and other British actors.

January 2011: Westwood featured in 'Vivienne Westwood's London' documentary

In January 2011, Vivienne Westwood was featured in the Canadian television documentary 'Vivienne Westwood's London', where she showcases her favorite London spots, including the Courtauld Institute of Art and Brixton Market.

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July 2011: Collections presented at The Brandery fashion show

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

2011: Company paid offshore company Latimo for rights

Accounts for Vivienne Westwood Ltd showed that since 2011, the company 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: Agreement to end franchise relationship with Hervia

In March 2012, Vivienne Westwood Group reached an agreement to end its UK franchise relationship with Hervia, based in Manchester. This concluded a legal dispute after Westwood sought to end the franchise deal early.

2012: Westwood chosen as one of The New Elizabethans

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

2012: Westwood supports Assange at London Fashion Week

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

2012: Westwood appears on new version of Sgt. Pepper's album cover

In 2012, Vivienne Westwood was selected by Sir Peter Blake to be featured on a new version of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover to celebrate British cultural icons.

2012: Westwood design featured on commemorative UK postage stamp

In 2012, a tartan outfit designed by Vivienne Westwood was featured on a commemorative UK postage stamp issued by the Royal Mail, celebrating Great British Fashion.

June 2013: Westwood dedicates collection to Chelsea Manning

In June 2013, Vivienne Westwood dedicated one of her collections to Chelsea Manning. During her fashion show, both she and her models wore large image badges of Manning with the word 'Truth' under her picture.

October 2014: Publication of Vivienne Westwood biography by Ian Kelly

In October 2014, 'Vivienne Westwood', the authorized biography by Ian Kelly, was published by Picador. It was later criticized 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.

January 2015: Westwood supports Green Party

In January 2015, Vivienne Westwood announced her support for the Green Party, donating £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 her avoidance of UK corporate tax, conflicting with party policy.

March 2015: Corporate tax arrangement restructured

In March 2015, Vivienne Westwood stated that she was subject to UK tax on all of her income and later in 2015 restructured her corporate tax arrangements.

March 2015: Opening of Manhattan outpost announced

In March 2015, Vivienne Westwood's company announced it would open a three-story outpost in midtown Manhattan in New York City.

December 2015: Vivienne Westwood Ltd store count

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

2016: Metropolitan Museum of Art acquires McLaren-designed Tits t-shirt

In 2016, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York acquired a 'Tits' t-shirt designed by McLaren, originally sold at Seditionaries between 1976 and 1980.

2016: Opening of shop in Paris

In early 2016, a new 3,200-square-foot Vivienne Westwood shop opened in Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris.

June 2017: Westwood endorses Jeremy Corbyn for election

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

2018: Premiere of 'Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist' documentary

In 2018, the documentary film about Vivienne Westwood, titled 'Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist,' premiered.

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April 2019: Westwood visits Julian Assange in Belmarsh Prison

In April 2019, Vivienne Westwood visited Julian Assange in Belmarsh Prison, continuing her long-term support for him and WikiLeaks.

November 2019: Westwood signs letter supporting Jeremy Corbyn

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

2019: Trillion Fund dissolved

In 2019, Trillion Fund, in which Vivienne Westwood bought a controlling interest in 2014, 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 potential extradition to the United States. She wore a yellow pantsuit and suspended herself in a giant birdcage, describing herself as the 'canary in the coal mine'.

2020: CIRCA Commission and Piccadilly Lights Presentation

To celebrate her 80th birthday in 2020, Vivienne Westwood was commissioned by CIRCA to present a new video work on the Piccadilly Lights screen in Piccadilly Circus, London. The ten-minute film featured a rewritten rendition of "Without You" from My Fair Lady and addressed environmental catastrophes and the arms trade.

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. Assange wore an outfit based on a Scottish kilt, while Moris wore a dress with a graffiti application, both designed by Westwood.

2022: Premiere of ''ART LOVERS UNITE!'' starring Vivienne Westwood

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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