Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Vivienne Westwood

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Vivienne Westwood.

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

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.

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.

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.

2009: Tax underestimation due

In August 2011, Vivienne Westwood's company, Vivienne Westwood Ltd, agreed to pay £350,000 in tax plus interest of £144,112, due in 2009, to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

August 2011: Tax payment agreement

In August 2011, Vivienne Westwood's company, Vivienne Westwood Ltd, agreed to pay £350,000 in tax plus interest of £144,112 to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

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.

2013: Accusation of using green movement as a marketing tool

In 2013, Eluxe Magazine accused Vivienne Westwood of using the green movement as a marketing tool because some of her fashion and accessories lines were made in China and included harmful chemicals. Eluxe also wrote that, despite Westwood's statements that consumers should 'buy less', her company produces nine collections a year, and they accused Westwood of using unpaid interns.