Childhood and Education Journey of Vivienne Westwood in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Vivienne Westwood, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Dame Vivienne Westwood was a highly influential English fashion designer and businesswoman credited with popularizing punk and new wave fashion. Her designs challenged convention and pushed boundaries, solidifying her status as a major figure in the fashion world. In 2022, she was recognized as one of Britain's most influential artists of the last 50 years.

Sections (4)

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

April 1941: Vivienne Westwood's Birth

In April 1941, Vivienne Isabel Swire, later known as Vivienne Westwood, was born.

1958: Family Moved to Harrow

In 1958, Vivienne Westwood's family relocated to Harrow, Greater London. She briefly attended the Harrow Art School, taking a jewellery and silversmith course, before leaving and eventually becoming a primary-school teacher and selling her own jewellery at a stall on Portobello Road.

July 1962: Marriage to Derek Westwood

In July 1962, Vivienne Westwood married Derek Westwood, an apprentice at the Hoover factory, in Harrow. She made her own wedding dress for the occasion.

1963: Birth of Son, Benjamin

In 1963, Vivienne Westwood gave birth to her son, Benjamin.

1967: Birth of Son, Joseph Corré

In 1967, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren's son, Joseph Corré, was born.

1992: Marriage to Andreas Kronthaler

In 1992, Vivienne Westwood married Andreas Kronthaler, who was her former fashion student.

2000: Move to Queen Anne style house

In 2000, Andreas Kronthaler convinced Vivienne Westwood to move from an ex-council flat on Nightingale Lane to a Queen Anne style house in Clapham built in 1703.

2007: Westwood switches support from Labour to Conservatives

In 2007, 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.

2008: Westwood campaigns at anti-nuclear demonstration

On Easter Sunday in 2008, Westwood personally campaigned at the largest Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament demonstration in ten years, held at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston, Berkshire.

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

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

June 2013: Westwood dedicates collection to Chelsea Manning

In June 2013, Westwood dedicated one of her collections to Chelsea Manning, with models wearing badges of Manning with the word "Truth" during the fashion show.

January 2015: Westwood supports the Green Party

In January 2015, Westwood announced her support for the Green Party, donating £300,000 to their election campaign.

June 2017: Westwood endorses Jeremy Corbyn

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

April 2019: Westwood visits Assange in Belmarsh Prison

In April 2019, Westwood visited Julian Assange in Belmarsh Prison after his arrest.

November 2019: Westwood supports Jeremy Corbyn in open letter

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

July 2020: Westwood protests Assange's extradition

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

March 2022: Westwood designs outfits for Assange's wedding

In March 2022, Westwood and her husband, Andreas Kronthaler, designed the outfits for Julian Assange's wedding to Stella Moris in Belmarsh Prison, including a kilt-based outfit for the groom and a graffiti-appliqued dress for the bride.

December 2022: Death of Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood died in Clapham, London, on December 29, 2022, at the age of 81.

January 2023: Private Funeral at Christ Church

In January 2023, a private funeral for Vivienne Westwood was held at Christ Church in Tintwistle, Derbyshire. The church was decorated with 45 metres of MacLeod Harris Tweed tartan.