An overview of the childhood and early education of Vivienne Westwood, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
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.
On April 1941, Vivienne Westwood was born in Hollingworth, Cheshire, England. Her father worked as a storekeeper and her mother's maiden name was Ball.
Vivienne Westwood was born on April 1941. She would later become a significant figure in fashion, bringing punk and new wave styles to the mainstream.
In 1958, Vivienne Westwood's family moved to Harrow, Greater London. Following the move, she enrolled in a jewellery and silversmith course at the Harrow Art School before leaving.
In July 1962, Vivienne Swire married Derek Westwood in Harrow. Vivienne made her own wedding dress for the occasion.
In 1963, Ben Westwood, Vivienne Westwood's son with Derek Westwood, was born. He became a photographer of erotica.
In 1967, Joseph Corré, Vivienne Westwood's son with Malcolm McLaren, was born. He later founded the lingerie brand Agent Provocateur.
In 1992, Vivienne Westwood married Andreas Kronthaler, her former fashion student, marking a significant personal relationship.
In 2000, Vivienne Westwood moved from an ex-council flat to a Queen Anne style house in Clapham built in 1703, convinced by Andreas Kronthaler.
In 2007, Vivienne Westwood announced on television that she had switched her support from the Labour Party to the Conservatives, citing concerns about civil liberties and human rights.
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."
On Easter Sunday in 2008, Vivienne Westwood personally participated in the largest Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament demonstration in a decade at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston, Berkshire, demonstrating her commitment to activism.
In January 2015, Vivienne Westwood publicly supported the Green Party, donating £300,000 to their election campaign, citing it as being in the best interests of the country and economy.
In June 2017, Vivienne Westwood endorsed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for the 2017 general election, expressing excitement about the Labour Party manifesto's focus on fair wealth distribution.
In April 2019, Vivienne Westwood visited Julian Assange in Belmarsh Prison, continuing her long-term support for him.
In November 2019, Vivienne Westwood, along with other public figures, signed a letter supporting Jeremy Corbyn, describing him as "a beacon of hope" and endorsing him in the UK general election.
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.
In 2020, CIRCA commissioned Vivienne Westwood to present a video work on the Piccadilly Lights screen in London for her 80th birthday. The ten-minute film featured Westwood performing a rewritten rendition of "Without You" to warn against environmental catastrophes and the arms trade.
In December 2022, Vivienne Westwood died in Clapham, London, at the age of 81.
In January 2023, a private funeral was held for Vivienne Westwood at Christ Church in Tintwistle, Derbyshire, the village where Westwood grew up. The church was decorated with MacLeod Harris Tweed tartan.
In February 2023, a memorial service for Vivienne Westwood was held at Southwark Cathedral in London.