History of Vivienne Westwood in Timeline
Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood was a highly influential English fashion designer and businesswoman who played a pivotal role in popularizing punk and new wave aesthetics, integrating them into mainstream fashion. Her impact on British art and culture is significant, as demonstrated by her 2022 ranking as the 4th most influential artist in the past half-century by Sky Arts.
April 1941: Early Life and Family Background
Vivienne Westwood is born in April 1941 to Gordon and Dora Swire. Her father worked in an aircraft factory and was previously a greengrocer.
April 1941: Birth of Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood is born in Hollingworth, Cheshire, in April 1941.
1958: Family Relocation and Early Career Exploration
Westwood's family moves to Harrow, Greater London, in 1958. She briefly studies jewelry and silversmithing but leaves to pursue work and later becomes a primary school teacher. She also starts crafting and selling her own jewelry.
July 1962: Marriage to Derek Westwood
Vivienne Westwood marries Derek Westwood in July 1962, crafting her own wedding dress for the occasion.
1963: Birth of Ben Westwood
Vivienne Westwood's first son, Ben Westwood, was born in 1963. He would later become a photographer of erotica.
1963: Birth of Benjamin Westwood
Vivienne gives birth to her son, Benjamin, in 1963.
1967: Birth of Joseph Corré
In 1967, Vivienne Westwood's second son, Joseph Corré, was born. He would go on to found the lingerie brand Agent Provocateur.
1967: Meeting Malcolm McLaren and Birth of Joseph Corré
Westwood meets Malcolm McLaren, and they have a son, Joseph Corré, in 1967. Westwood continues to teach and also creates clothes with McLaren.
1971: End of Teaching Career
Vivienne Westwood stops teaching in 1971 to focus on her design work.
1971: Let It Rock Boutique Opens
Westwood and McLaren open their first boutique, Let It Rock, in 1971. The shop features clothing inspired by 1950s Teddy Boy fashion.
1972: Too Fast To Live Too Young To Die
Let It Rock is renamed Too Fast To Live Too Young To Die in 1972, reflecting a shift towards 1960s rocker aesthetics. The boutique continues to sell Teddy Boy-inspired clothing.
1974: Sex Boutique
Westwood and McLaren's boutique is renamed Sex in 1974. The shop's offerings become more provocative, incorporating fetish and sado-masochism themes.
1976: Release of the "Tits" T-shirt
Between 1976 and 1980, Westwood's boutique, Seditionaries, sold the controversial "Tits" t-shirt, designed by Malcolm McLaren.
1976: Seditionaries Boutique
Sex is renamed Seditionaries in 1976. The boutique continues to push boundaries with designs that challenge gender norms and incorporate historical and fetish elements.
1980: End of Sales for the "Tits" T-shirt
By 1980, Westwood's boutique, Seditionaries, stopped selling the "Tits" t-shirt, designed by Malcolm McLaren.
1980: Vivienne Westwood Begins Using Harris Tweed
In 1980, Vivienne Westwood started incorporating Harris Tweed into her designs, marking the beginning of her connection with the renowned fabric.
1980: Worlds End Boutique
Westwood and McLaren's boutique, a focal point of the London punk scene, is renamed Worlds End in 1980. It remains at its original location on Kings Road in Chelsea, London.
1981: Pirate Collection
Westwood and McLaren present their first official collection, Pirate, in 1981. The collection blends 18th and 19th century dress with British history and African prints.
1981: The New Romantic Period
Westwood dubs the period from 1981–1985 "New Romantic". She creates the famous look of the band Adam and the Ants during this time.
1982: Westwood Debuts the Iconic Buffalo Hat
Vivienne Westwood first introduced the Buffalo hat as part of her 1982-1983 collection, a design that would later achieve iconic status.
1982: Savages, Buffalo/Nostalgia of Mud, and Punkature Collections
Westwood and McLaren release three collections in 1982: Savages, Buffalo/Nostalgia of Mud, and Punkature.
1983: Witches Collection
The Witches collection is shown in early 1983 by Westwood and McLaren.
1984: Worlds End 1984/Hypnos Collection
Westwood and McLaren release the Worlds End 1984 collection, later renamed Hypnos, in late 1983.
1985: Clint Eastwood Collection
Following the dissolution of her partnership with McLaren, Westwood releases one more collection under the Worlds End label: Clint Eastwood in late 1984-early 1985.
1985: Introduction of the Mini-Crini
Westwood designs the mini-crini, a shortened version of the Victorian crinoline, for her Autumn-Winter 1985 collection.
1987: Inspiration from Petrushka
From 1985 to 1987, Westwood draws inspiration from the ballet Petrushka for her mini-crini design.
1987: Harris Tweed Collection and Orb Logo Controversy
Westwood introduces the 'Harris Tweed' collection in Autumn-Winter 1987, marking the beginning of her collaboration with the Scottish cloth and the Harris Tweed Authority. The collection is credited with reviving the fabric's popularity. She also debuts the Orb logo, which sparks debate due to its similarity to the Harris Tweed Authority's Orb Mark.
1988: The Pagan Years
Westwood dubs the period from 1988-1991 as "The Pagan Years." Her design inspiration shifts during this time.
April 1989: Westwood Appears as Margaret Thatcher on "Tatler" Cover
In a bold and memorable move, Vivienne Westwood appeared on the cover of "Tatler" magazine dressed as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in April 1989, creating a lasting image that captured her subversive style and political commentary.
1989: The Mini-Crini's Impact
The mini-crini's popularity grows, inspiring similar designs by established fashion houses. It is recognized for its combination of historical and modern elements.
1990: Beginning of Westwood's Inclusion in the National Portrait Gallery
From 1990 onwards, the National Portrait Gallery acquired images of Vivienne Westwood, capturing her evolution over time.
1992: Marriage to Andreas Kronthaler
Vivienne Westwood married Andreas Kronthaler, her former fashion student, in 1992.
1992: Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire
Vivienne Westwood was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1992 for her significant contributions to fashion design. She made headlines by wearing a revealing outfit while accepting the honor from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
1993: Westwood Designs for Duran Duran's "The Wedding Album" Tour and Music Videos
Vivienne Westwood designed the wardrobe for Duran Duran's "The Wedding Album" tour and music videos in 1993, showcasing her talent in the music industry.
2000: Move to a Queen Anne Style House
After 30 years in a Clapham council flat, Westwood moved into a historic Queen Anne style house in 2000, persuaded by Kronthaler.
2002: Latimo Established
Latimo, a company that would later become central to Vivienne Westwood's tax arrangements, was established in 2002.
2002: Westwood Sells Trademark Rights to Latimo
Vivienne Westwood sold the rights to her trademarks to a Luxembourg-based company called Latimo in 2002, a move that would later be scrutinized by tax authorities.
September 2005: "I AM NOT A TERRORIST" Campaign
In September 2005, Vivienne Westwood partnered with Liberty, a British civil rights organization, to launch a line of T-shirts and baby wear featuring the slogan "I AM NOT A TERRORIST, please don't arrest me." The campaign aimed to raise funds for Liberty and bring attention to concerns about civil liberties and the right to habeas corpus.
2005: Dita Von Teese Wears Westwood to Marry Marilyn Manson
Dita Von Teese chose a custom Vivienne Westwood gown for her wedding to Marilyn Manson in 2005, solidifying Westwood's presence in celebrity fashion.
2006: Elevated to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Westwood's contributions to British fashion were further recognized in 2006 when she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). She has also been honored as British Designer of the Year three times.
2007: Westwood Commissioned to Design King's College London Academic Gowns
In 2007, Vivienne Westwood was approached by King's College London to design their academic gowns, a testament to her influence on British fashion and culture.
2007: Shift in Political Support
In 2007, Westwood publicly stated that she had switched her political allegiance from the Labour Party to the Conservatives. She cited concerns about civil liberties and human rights as the reason for her decision.
2007: Critique of Consumerism
In a 2007 interview, Westwood voiced her concerns about excessive consumerism, characterizing it as a "drug." She encouraged people to buy less, even from her own fashion brand, sparking debate about the balance between fashion and anti-consumerist values.
2007: Fellowship at King's College London
Westwood was recognized for her achievements with a Fellowship at King's College London in 2007.
2008: Westwood's Design Featured in "Sex and the City" Movie
Vivienne Westwood's design was prominently featured in the 2008 film adaptation of "Sex and the City," with Carrie Bradshaw choosing a Westwood gown for her wedding, leading to a surge in the dress's popularity.
2008: Westwood's King's College London Academic Gowns Unveiled
Vivienne Westwood's innovative designs for King's College London's academic gowns were revealed in 2008, blending tradition with her signature avant-garde style.
2008: Honorary Degree and Academic Gown Designs
In 2008, Westwood received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Heriot-Watt University, acknowledging her contributions to the fashion industry and her use of Scottish textiles. That same year, she designed a new set of academic gowns and hoods for students at King's College London to wear during graduation ceremonies.
2008: Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
On Easter Sunday in 2008, Westwood participated in a large-scale demonstration organized by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). The protest took place at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston, Berkshire, and marked one of the largest gatherings against nuclear weapons in a decade.
2008: Vivienne Westwood Opus 2008
To coincide with London Fashion Week 2008, a limited-edition art book titled "Vivienne Westwood Opus 2008" was released. The large-format book showcased Westwood's work through photographs, including portraits of Westwood, models, and celebrities.
December 2009: Active Resistance to Propaganda Manifesto and Play
Westwood developed and shared her manifesto, "Active Resistance to Propaganda," exploring the intersection of art, humanity, and climate change. She presented it at various venues, and it was later adapted into a play staged in London.
2009: Westwood's Tax Liabilities Due
In 2009, Vivienne Westwood's company faced tax liabilities, eventually leading to a settlement with HMRC in 2011.
2009: Marion Cotillard Wears Westwood to "Public Enemies" Premiere
Marion Cotillard donned a Vivienne Westwood creation for the London premiere of "Public Enemies" in 2009, highlighting Westwood's influence on red carpet fashion.
2009: Williams First Spotted in Westwood's Buffalo Hat
Pharrell Williams' affinity for Vivienne Westwood's Buffalo hat was apparent as early as 2009, showcasing his early adoption of the iconic design.
January 2011: Vivienne Westwood's London Documentary Release
In January 2011, a Canadian-made television documentary called "Vivienne Westwood's London" was released, in which Westwood guides viewers through her favorite spots in London, including cultural institutions and vibrant areas.
July 2011: Westwood's Collections at The Brandery Fashion Show
Vivienne Westwood's collections were showcased at The Brandery fashion show in Barcelona in July 2011, further solidifying her international presence.
August 2011: Westwood Pays Back Taxes to HMRC
Vivienne Westwood's company agreed to pay a significant sum in back taxes and interest to HM Revenue and Customs in August 2011, following a dispute over the valuation of her brand.
2011: Westwood's Company Pays Annual Fees to Latimo
Since 2011, Vivienne Westwood's company had been making substantial annual payments to Latimo for the use of her name, raising questions about tax avoidance.
2011: Princess Eugenie Wears Westwood to Royal Wedding
Princess Eugenie wore a trio of Vivienne Westwood outfits for various events surrounding the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011, signaling Westwood's enduring appeal within royal circles.
March 2012: Westwood Ends Franchise Relationship with Hervia
Vivienne Westwood Group ended its long-standing franchise agreement with Hervia in March 2012, leading to legal disputes and a significant increase in Vivienne Westwood Ltd's profits the following year.
2012: Recognition as a British Cultural Icon
Vivienne Westwood was acknowledged as a prominent British cultural figure in 2012. She was included in a new version of Sir Peter Blake's iconic artwork, the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album cover. She was also named one of "The New Elizabethans" for her significant impact on British life during Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
2012: Support for Julian Assange
Westwood used her platform at London Fashion Week to advocate for the release of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, by featuring "I am Julian Assange" T-shirts in her show.
June 2013: Support for Chelsea Manning
Westwood showed solidarity with Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. Army soldier convicted of leaking classified information, by dedicating a collection to her and having models wear badges with Manning's image and the word "Truth."
2013: Eluxe Magazine Criticizes Westwood's Sustainability Practices
In 2013, Eluxe Magazine accused Vivienne Westwood of hypocrisy, pointing out inconsistencies between her environmental activism and her company's production practices and labor conditions.
2013: Cotillard Chooses Westwood Again for Cannes Film Festival
In 2013, Marion Cotillard once again opted for a Vivienne Westwood design, this time for the Chopard lunch at the Cannes Film Festival, demonstrating her appreciation for Westwood's designs.
October 2014: Publication of Vivienne Westwood's Biography
In October 2014, Picador published Vivienne Westwood's authorized biography, written by Ian Kelly. However, the book faced criticism for factual inaccuracies, including misspelled names and incorrect dates, leading to disputes and corrections.
2014: End of Westwood's Inclusion in the National Portrait Gallery
By 2014, the National Portrait Gallery had amassed 18 images of Vivienne Westwood, taken by renowned photographers, showcasing her impact on fashion and culture.
2014: Investment in Trillion Fund
In 2014, Westwood made a significant investment in Trillion Fund, an equity crowdfunding platform. This move reflected her interest in supporting innovative business models.
2014: Pharrell Williams Makes Westwood's Buffalo Hat a Sensation
Pharrell Williams brought Vivienne Westwood's Buffalo hat back into the spotlight when he wore it to the 2014 Grammy Awards, sparking a social media frenzy and cementing its status as a fashion icon.
January 2015: Support for the Green Party
Westwood announced her support for the Green Party in January 2015, citing her belief in the party's commitment to the environment and the economy. She made a substantial donation to support their election campaign.
February 2015: Exclusion from Green Party Campaign and Support for Nigel Askew
In February 2015, Westwood was scheduled to be a special guest on the Green Party's university tour but was disinvited due to her past use of offshore tax havens, which contradicted the party's policies. Subsequently, she shifted her support to Nigel Askew, an independent candidate opposing UKIP leader Nigel Farage.
March 2015: Westwood Addresses Tax Arrangement Controversy
In March 2015, Vivienne Westwood responded to criticism over her tax arrangements, stating her commitment to aligning her business practices with her personal values.
March 2015: Westwood Announces New Store in Manhattan
In March 2015, Vivienne Westwood announced the opening of a three-story store in midtown Manhattan, expanding her brand's presence in the United States.
December 2015: Westwood Operates Numerous Stores Worldwide
By December 2015, Vivienne Westwood Ltd had expanded to 12 retail stores in the UK and 63 globally, demonstrating the brand's international reach.
2016: Acquisition of Westwood's "Tits" T-shirt by the Met
In 2016, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York acquired a significant piece of fashion history: a "Tits" t-shirt designed by Malcolm McLaren and sold at Westwood's boutique, Seditionaries, between 1976 and 1980.
2016: Westwood Opens Flagship Store in Paris
Vivienne Westwood opened a new flagship store on Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris in early 2016, further solidifying her global presence and influence in the fashion world.
June 2017: Endorsement of Jeremy Corbyn
Westwood publicly endorsed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in the 2017 general election. She expressed admiration for his policies on wealth distribution and environmental issues.
2018: Premiere of "Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist" Documentary
A documentary film about Vivienne Westwood's life and career, titled "Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist," premiered in 2018, offering an intimate look at her multifaceted persona.
April 2019: Visits to Julian Assange
Following Assange's arrest in April 2019, Westwood visited him both during his asylum at the Ecuadorian Embassy and while he was imprisoned in Belmarsh Prison.
November 2019: Continued Support for Jeremy Corbyn
Westwood joined other public figures in signing a letter of support for Jeremy Corbyn in the 2019 UK general election. The letter praised Corbyn's stance against far-right ideologies.
2019: Dissolution of Trillion Fund
In 2019, Trillion Fund, the equity crowdfunding platform in which Westwood had a controlling interest, was dissolved.
July 2020: Protest Against Assange's Extradition
Westwood staged a demonstration against the potential extradition of Julian Assange to the United States. She suspended herself in a birdcage outside the Old Bailey court, drawing attention to what she perceived as threats to freedom of the press and government accountability.
2020: CIRCA Commission for 80th Birthday
To celebrate her 80th birthday, Vivienne Westwood collaborated with CIRCA, an art platform, to present a video work on the Piccadilly Lights screen in London. The film, a collaboration with her brother, conveyed a powerful message about environmental concerns and the arms trade.
2021: Dua Lipa Wears Custom Westwood at the Brit Awards
Dua Lipa chose a custom Vivienne Westwood design for her appearance at the 2021 Brit Awards, showcasing Westwood's continued relevance and influence on contemporary fashion.
March 2022: Designing for Assange's Wedding
Westwood and her husband, Andreas Kronthaler, designed the wedding attire for Julian Assange and Stella Morris's wedding, which took place in Belmarsh Prison.
December 2022: Death of Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood passed away in December 2022 at the age of 81 in Clapham, London.
December 2022: Death of Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood passed away in December 2022.
2022: World Premiere of "ART LOVERS UNITE!" Documentary
The documentary "ART LOVERS UNITE!," featuring Vivienne Westwood and directed by Patrick J. Thomas & Dacob, had its world premiere at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival in Australia in 2022.
January 2023: Private Funeral Held in Derbyshire
A private funeral service for Vivienne Westwood took place in January 2023 at Christ Church in Tintwistle, Derbyshire, the village where she spent her formative years.
February 2023: Memorial Service at Southwark Cathedral
In February 2023, a memorial service was held to honor Vivienne Westwood at Southwark Cathedral in London, a testament to her enduring influence.