Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Vivienne Westwood
A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Vivienne Westwood.
Vivienne Westwood was a highly influential English fashion designer and businesswoman, pivotal in popularizing punk and new wave styles. Ranked among Britain's most influential artists of the last 50 years, she significantly impacted the fashion world with her innovative and rebellious designs.
1974: Reopening as Sex Boutique
In 1974, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren's boutique was remodelled and reopened as Sex. The garments sold were intentionally provocative and challenging, with designs grounded in fetish and sado-masochism.
1987: 'Harris Tweed' Collection and Orb Logo Controversy
In 1987, Westwood showcased the 'Harris Tweed' collection. She launched her long-standing relationship with Harris tweed and adopted the Orb logo, sparking controversy due to its similarity to the Harris Tweed Authority's mark.
April 1989: Westwood Posed as Margaret Thatcher for Tatler Cover
In April 1989, Vivienne Westwood appeared on the cover of Tatler dressed as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, wearing a suit ordered for Thatcher, with the caption "This woman was once a punk".
1992: Westwood Appointed OBE
In 1992, Vivienne Westwood was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to fashion design. She wore sheer tights and a bikini top under her skirt when receiving the medal from Queen Elizabeth II.
2002: Establishment of Latimo
In 2002, Latimo, an offshore company controlled by Vivienne Westwood as the majority shareholder in her companies, was established. This entity received annual payments from Vivienne Westwood Ltd for the use of her name on her fashion label.
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. This deal was later examined by HMRC.
2007: Westwood Spoke Out Against Consumerism
In a 2007 interview, Vivienne Westwood criticized what she called the "drug of consumerism", advising people to "buy something from me. Just don't buy too much."
2009: Underestimation of Brand Value
Vivienne Westwood had underestimated the value of her brand in 2009, which resulted in a tax liability.
August 2011: Tax Payment to HMRC
In August 2011, Vivienne Westwood's company agreed to pay £350,000 in tax, plus £144,112 in interest, to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) due to underestimating the value of her brand in 2009.
2011: Annual Payments to Offshore Company Latimo
Since 2011, Vivienne Westwood Ltd had been paying £2 million a year to the offshore company Latimo for the right to use Westwood's name on her own fashion label, which was set up in 2002.
2013: Accusation of Greenwashing by Eluxe Magazine
In 2013, Eluxe Magazine accused Vivienne Westwood of greenwashing, criticizing her company's production of nine collections a year and use of harmful materials, despite her advocacy for buying less. Eluxe also reported complaints about unpaid interns working long hours.
October 2014: Publication of Vivienne Westwood's Biography
In October 2014, the authorized biography "Vivienne Westwood" by Ian Kelly was published, later receiving criticism for inaccuracies.
February 2015: Westwood Excluded from Green Party Tour
In February 2015, Vivienne Westwood was excluded from the Green Party's "We Are The Revolution" tour due to her tax avoidance practices, which conflicted with party policy, leading her to criticize the party's decision.
March 2015: Restructuring of Corporate Tax Arrangements
In March 2015, Vivienne Westwood announced that she was restructuring her corporate tax arrangements to align them with the Green Party's policy, reflecting her commitment to personal values and environmental concerns.
July 2020: Westwood Protested Assange's Extradition in Birdcage
In July 2020, Vivienne Westwood protested outside London's Old Bailey against Julian Assange's extradition by suspending herself in a giant birdcage, describing herself as the canary in the coal mine.
