British fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood died on Thursday, December 29 at the age of 81.
Westwood passed away peacefully in Clapham, London, surrounded by family. A representative said in a statement: “Vivien continued to do the things she loved right up until the end of her life, working on her art, writing her book and changing the world for the better. “She led an amazing life. Her creativity and influence over the past 60 years has been immense and will continue to be.
Following the news, the fashion world, from designers such as Stella McCartney and Donatella Versace to models Naomi Campbell and Bella Hadid, paid tribute to Westwood, one of the industry’s greatest innovators and icon. From Marc Jacobs to Helena Christensen, here are the fashion world tributes to Dame Vivienne Westwood:
Donatella Versace
Donatella Versace, Vivienne Westwood and Jil Sander in 2008
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On Instagram, designer Donatella Versace posted a photo of herself, Westwood, and Jil Sander from 2008, writing, “Vivienne was a legendary pioneer in fashion and great punk. She broke all established norms to create clothes that speak of freedom, rebellion and power. She gave the younger generations a new code to express themselves.
Bella Hadid
Andreas Kronthaler, Bella Hadid and Vivienne Westwood during the Vivienne Westwood show during Paris Fashion Week in February 2020.
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Model Bella Hadid shared pictures of herself and Westwood on Instagram. “Dear Vivian, Queen of Punk,” she wrote. “From the first day I met you to the last day I saw you, you made me smile, learn, learn and love more than the last day. I will forever be grateful to be in her orbit, because to me and so many, in fashion and humanity, you were Vivienne sunshine.
Helena Christensen
Helena Christensen by Vivienne Westwood, 1997
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“I thought Vivienne lived into her 100s,” the 90s model wrote on Instagram. She still had more pressing issues, more causes to support, more injustices to talk about… and so on. Many more magical clothes to create. ⭐️ This talented and talented woman was unique and a punk as a punk should be. And she did it her way. Always grateful to be in her inspiring company ♥️ Rest in glory @viviennewestwood.
Marc Jacobs
Westwood at the Marc Jacobs show at London Fashion Week, 2007
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Designer Marc Jacobs wrote on Instagram, “You did it first. all the time. Amazing style with bright and meaningful substance. I will continue to learn from your words, and, all of your extraordinary creations. I will always remember the night we bonded over our shared love for Yves Saint Laurent. It never fails to surprise and shock. I am grateful for the moments you and Andreas gave me to share.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell and Vivienne Westwood, London Fashion Week 1993
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The model shared a snap of herself and Westwood on Instagram, writing: “When I was a kid I was on the bus home from school and driving down the Kings Road and saw all the punks dressing up and risking hair coverings. It was revolutionary, I didn’t know I would meet Vivienne Westwood in ’86 and not only work with her, but call her a friend,” she wrote. You were a force of nature, always encouraging me to push forward and never give up on the things I love outside of modeling.
Christy Turlington
Christy Turlington by Vivienne Westwood, 1993
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“Artist, punk, working mom, and the brand is as relevant today as ever,” wrote model Christy Turlington, along with photos of herself modeling Westwood’s clothing throughout her modeling career. “Vivien once faxed me a handwritten letter inviting me to one of her shows in the early ’90s. She had recently seen Da Vinci’s ‘Lady with an Ermine’ and was excited to tell me how the painting reminded her of me. I’m pretty sure it’s Ermine, not the lady! Thank you, Vivienne, for staying true to your principles and values and, above all, for leading the way with humor and humor…”
Rose McGowan
Rose McGowan walks the runway at the Vivienne Westwood show during London Fashion Week, February 2019.
Mike Marsland
Actress Rose McGowan said: “So saddened by the passing of a true punk, Vivienne Westwood, what a hell raiser, what a talent.” He wrote on TwitterAlong with photos of herself wearing a Westwood outfit.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood in 2020
Bertrand Rindoff Petroff / Getty Images
McCartney shared a scan of the photos on Instagram Grid, with a touching tribute in the caption. “Vivien invented historic fashion design moments that woke us all up and shook the industry to its foundations.” she wrote. “She unapologetically led the way by exposing injustices in the world and asking uncomfortable questions.
It first appeared on Glamour