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2024-09-22 08:20:01

Vivienne Westwood

British fashion designer and businesswoman
British fashion designer and businesswoman

Dame Vivienne Westwood was a key figure in popularizing punk and new wave fashions. She opened multiple shops promoting her political causes.

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1941-04-08
Birth of Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood, born as Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood, was born on April 8, 1941, in Glossop, Derbyshire, England.

1962
Marriage to Derek Westwood

In 1962, Vivienne Westwood married Derek Westwood and designed her own wedding dress. This marked a personal milestone in her life before her significant contributions to the fashion industry.

1965
Meeting Malcolm McLaren

In 1965, Vivienne Westwood met Malcolm McLaren, the leader of 'The Sex Pistols' band, marking the beginning of their collaboration in the fashion world.

1967
Birth of Joseph Corré

Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren's son, Joseph Corré, was born in 1967. The family dynamic and personal relationships influenced Westwood's career and creative endeavors.

1971
Opening of Let it Rock boutique

In 1971, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren opened a small boutique called Let it Rock at 430 Kings Road, Chelsea in London, where they started by designing Teddy Boy clothes.

1972
Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die store opened

In 1972, Westwood and McLaren renamed their store to Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die, focusing on the Marlon Brando-influenced rocker/biker style.

1974
Dressing The Sex Pistols

In 1974, Vivienne Westwood dressed the iconic music legends The Sex Pistols along with her then lover and business partner, Malcolm McLaren.

1976
Clothing Range Reached Number 1

In 1976, Vivienne Westwood's clothing range achieved the top spot, becoming the most popular choice among consumers. This success marked a significant milestone in her career.

1978
Reopening of shop as Seditionaries

In 1978, the shop formerly known as Sex was reopened as Seditionaries, where Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren transformed obscure sexual fetishism and bondage into fashion, inspiring the 'Punk Rock' movement.

1980
Renaming of Worlds End shop

In 1980, the shop previously known as the Sex Pistols collapsed and adopted punk by the mainstream, leading Vivienne to be disenchanted. The shop was refitted and renamed Worlds End, a name that is still in use today.

1981-10
First Catwalk Show 'Pirate'

Vivienne Westwood's first catwalk show 'Pirate' for Autumn-Winter 1981/82 was inspired by plundering history and the Third World. The collection featured Native American patterns and asymmetrical necklines.

1982-03
Savage Collection

The Savage collection for Spring-Summer 1982 by Vivienne Westwood was influenced by flat cutting from Japan and artists like Matisse and Picasso. It explored the relationship between clothes and the body, featuring slashed sleeves and contrast linings.

1982-10
Buffalo Girls (Nostalgia of Mud) Collection

The Buffalo Girls collection for Autumn-Winter 1982/83 by Vivienne Westwood featured colors inspired by mud, raw cut sheepskin, and the concept of underwear as outerwear. The collection drew inspiration from Peruvian women and their traditional attire.

1983-03
Punkature Collection

The Punkature collection for Spring-Summer 1983 by Vivienne Westwood was inspired by 'Blade Runner' and desert landscapes. It combined elements of punk and couture, featuring distressed fabric, recycled materials, and unique accessories like shoes made from disused tires.

1983-10
Witches Collection

The Witches collection for Autumn-Winter 1983/84 by Vivienne Westwood was influenced by a visit to New York and meeting Keith Haring. The collection featured hip hop styling, stop-frame looks, and unique customizations like white trainers with three tongues.

1984
Vivienne Westwood showcases 'Hypnos' collection in Tokyo

In 1984, Vivienne Westwood received an invitation to showcase her Spring-Summer 1984 'Hypnos' collection in Tokyo at Hanae Mori's 'Best of Five' global fashion awards, alongside other renowned designers like Calvin Klein, Claude Montana, and Gianfranco Ferre.

1985
Mini-Crini Collection

The Mini-Crini collection in Spring/Summer 1985 marked a shift towards tailoring and historical dress reworkings by Vivienne Westwood. The standout garment was a bell-shaped skirt combining elements of a child's party frock and Victorian crinoline.

1986
Introduction of the orb logo

In 1986, the iconic orb logo was first used by Vivienne Westwood to symbolize taking tradition into the future.

1987-09
Harris Tweed Collection

Vivienne Westwood's Autumn-Winter 1987 collection was inspired by a young girl she saw on the tube wearing a Harris Tweed jacket and ballet shoes, leading to a tailored and childish look with influences from British fabrics and 18th-century corsetry.

1988-03
Britain Must Go Pagan Collection

In Spring-Summer 1988, Vivienne Westwood's collection featured mythological and Greco-Roman themes, exploring the 'Age of Enlightenment' with structured pieces and references to Ancient Greece and Rome.

1988-09
Time Machine Collection

For Autumn-Winter 1988/89, Vivienne Westwood's collection named after H.G Wells' novella showcased tailored Harris Tweed suiting, referencing British culture and tradition, and dedicated to Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.

1989-03
Civilizade Collection

In Spring-Summer 1989, Vivienne Westwood's collection focused on fashion as a didactic tool, featuring armoured jackets, rugby jerseys, and harlequins inspired by mythological beasts.

1989-04
Westwood's Margaret Thatcher Cover

In April 1989, Vivienne Westwood appeared on the cover of Tatler dressed as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, making a statement about politics and fashion.

1989-09
Voyage to Cythera Collection

Vivienne Westwood's Autumn-Winter 1989/90 collection drew inspiration from Watteau, Commedia dell’ Arte, and Ballets Russes, featuring tights worn without skirts and themes of classic nudity and ancient sculpture.

1990
Cut, Slash & Pull Ensemble by Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood created the Cut, Slash & Pull ensemble in 1990 in England. The ensemble included unique pieces like slashed silk pants with faux-fur bobbles and a fur-trimmed bodice, demonstrating Westwood's avant-garde fashion aesthetic.

1991
Westwood's Cut, Slash and Pull Collection

In 1991, Vivienne Westwood introduced the Cut, Slash and Pull collection, drawing inspiration from Tudor portraiture. The collection featured garments with slashed voile, modern codpieces, and exposed skin, showcasing Westwood's bold and unconventional designs.

1992
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

In 1992, Vivienne Westwood was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to the fashion industry.

1993-03
Grand Hotel Collection, Spring-Summer 1993

The collection was inspired by the 1932 Greta Garbo film and featured full skirted ball gowns, hotel lobby rendezvous', pyjama collars, and endangered animal prints. Vivienne Westwood modeled for the first time in this collection.

1993-09
Anglomania Collection, Autumn-Winter 1993/94

This collection showcased English tailoring and country charm, with features like corsets, patriotism, and tweed. It also marked the birth of Vivienne Westwood Gold Label.

1994-03
Café Society Collection, Spring-Summer 1994

Inspired by cafes as a continuation of Salons, this collection paid homage to Charles Frederick Worth and featured hourglass figures with bustles. It also introduced layered faux furs and crinoline gowns.

1994-09
On Liberty Collection, Autumn-Winter 1994/95

This collection emphasized individual freedom and modern proportions, with features like bum pads, distortion of proportion, and prints from London department store Liberty.

1995-06
Erotic Zones, Spring-Summer 1995

Featuring extreme silhouettes and portraying women as heroic figures, this collection emphasized the power of female sexuality. The 'Cul cage' wire bustle was a notable creation by Andreas Kronthaler's father.

1995-12
Vive la Cocotte, Autumn-Winter 1995/96

Introducing a brand-new silhouette with a padded bust and bustle made of lightweight metal cage, this collection also included extremely high platforms. Vivienne Westwood created two collections, one less extreme for commercial purposes, and featured the 'Metropolitan' jacket.

1996-06
Les Femmes Ne Connaissent Pas Toute Leur Coquetterie, Spring-Summer 1996

Characterized by relaxed silhouettes and a less exaggerated style, this collection drew inspiration from Marie Antoinette's portrait and featured ladylike dressing-gowns with thick satin ribbons. The designs were influenced by Watteau's 'The Shop Sign of Gersaint'.

1996-12
Storm in a Teacup, Autumn-Winter 1996/97

Exploring extreme asymmetry and drawing inspiration from decorative Rococo furniture and the unpredictable British weather, this collection featured pinstripes, tartans, and tweed. Vivienne Westwood aimed to challenge uniformity and minimalism with designs like the brown chalk stripe 'Watteau' jacket.

1997-06
Vive la Bagatelle, Spring-Summer 1997

Dedicated to a woman who values the choice over the number of her affairs, this collection included bias cuts, ripened fruit prints, and camouflaged demi-cup bras on shirts. It also featured bondage straps and the concept of the blindfolded bride, symbolizing the idea of 'Bagatelle' as something trivial.

1997-12
Five Centuries Ago, Autumn-Winter 1997/98

Drawing inspiration from Tudor and Jacobean eras, this collection showcased highly constructed designs with skirt slits exposing suspenders and standing collars. The collection was influenced by Holbein portraits and featured a very Elizabethan aesthetic.

1998-06
Tied to the Mast, Spring-Summer 1998

The collection featured sailor-inspired tall tales with reimagined pirate boots, women's walking suits, and eyepatches. Paintings by Theodore Gericault influenced the designs, with elements like crystal rope prints and brigand hats.

1998-10
Dressed to Scale, Autumn-Winter 1998/99

The collection showcased displacement and discombobulation with oversized buttons, shoulder-length lapels, and cuts that reshaped the body. Vivienne Westwood drew inspiration from folk costumes and caricatures, incorporating elements like the grey stretch wool 'Amphora' jacket.

1999-06
La Belle Helene, Spring-Summer 1999

Inspired by Ruben and 1953 Matisse collage 'The Snail', the collection featured satin and lace typography with a back-to-school theme. Vivienne Westwood incorporated line and contrast elements along with naughty pencil drawings.

2000-04
Exhibition 'Vivienne Westwood: the collection of Romilly McAlpine' at Museum of London

The exhibition showcased the collection of Romilly McAlpine, offering a glimpse into Vivienne Westwood's designs. It ran from April to June 2000 at the Museum of London.

2001
Ode to Literature in Spring-Summer 2001

Vivienne Westwood's collection in Spring-Summer 2001 was inspired by literature, with references to Aristotle, Aldous Huxley, and Bertrand Russel. The collection featured elements like photographic prints of bookshelves, studies of butterflies, and folded rectangles of cloth resembling book pages.

2002
Nymphs in Spring-Summer 2002

Vivienne Westwood's Spring-Summer 2002 collection 'Nymphs' drew inspiration from artists like Fragonard, Boucher, and Watteau, featuring mythological themes and angular constructions. The collection included unique elements like long feathered eyelashes and traditional striped rugby jerseys.

2003-04
Le Flou Taille, Autumn-Winter 2003/04

The collection focused on fluidity in haute couture, tailoring, and flou. Vivienne Westwood described the clothes as looking spontaneous but being well-constructed. It featured daytime pyjamas, knee-high cossack boots, satin boxer shorts, and a slip and slide theme.

2003-06
UK Fashion Export Award for Design received by Vivienne Westwood

In June 2003, Vivienne Westwood was honored with the UK Fashion Export Award for Design, recognizing her significant contributions to the fashion industry.

2004-04-01
Retrospective Exhibition at Victoria and Albert Museum

On April 1, 2004, a retrospective exhibition titled 'Vivienne Westwood: 34 Years in Fashion' opened at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, showcasing her creations. It was the largest exhibition dedicated to a British designer at the museum.

2005-09
Launch of I AM NOT A TERRORIST Campaign

In September 2005, Vivienne Westwood collaborated with the British civil rights group Liberty to release limited edition T-shirts and baby wear with the slogan I AM NOT A TERRORIST, please don't arrest me. This campaign aimed to support civil liberties and defend habeas corpus.

2006
Vivienne Westwood becoming a Dame

In 2006, Vivienne Westwood was honored with the title of Dame for her contributions to the fashion industry.

2007
I Am Expensiv, Spring-Summer 2007

The collection incorporated Disney characters as a universal expression, with block colors and cut-out lace. It explored the 21st-century obsession with wealth accumulation and was inspired by the Bowes Museum in Northumberland. Vivienne Westwood's designs included endearing heroines, repulsive baddies, and a focus on wealth symbolism.

2008-03-23
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament at Aldermaston

On Easter Sunday 2008, Vivienne Westwood personally participated in a Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament demonstration at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston, Berkshire.

2009-12-04
Staging of Westwood's Manifesto 'Active Resistance to Propaganda'

Westwood's manifesto 'Active Resistance to Propaganda' was staged in the form of a play at the Bloomsbury Ballroom by Forbidden London and Dave West. The play featured Michelle Ryan and other British actors.

2010
Receiving the Prince Philip Designers Prize

Vivienne Westwood is awarded the Prince Philip Designers Prize in 2010.

2011-01
Vivienne Westwood featured in documentary 'Vivienne Westwood's London'

In January 2011, Vivienne Westwood was showcased in a Canadian-made television documentary titled 'Vivienne Westwood's London', where she shared her favorite parts of the city including various cultural landmarks.

2011-07
The Brandery Fashion Show in Barcelona

In July 2011, Vivienne Westwood's collections were presented at The Brandery fashion show in Barcelona.

2011-08
Tax fine for undervaluing brand

Vivienne Westwood Ltd agreed to pay a tax fine of £350,000 plus interest for underestimating the value of her brand in a deal with HM Revenue and Customs. The company's tax arrangements were scrutinized for compliance with UK tax laws and ethical standards.

2012-03
End of UK franchise relationship with Hervia

Vivienne Westwood Group terminated its UK franchise agreement with Hervia, leading to a legal dispute. The transition of some Hervia stores to Westwood resulted in a significant increase in pre-tax profits for Vivienne Westwood Ltd.

2012-10
London Autumn-Winter 2012/13

Vivienne Westwood's collection inspired by historical references and the connection between theatre and everyday dress, featuring unfinished hems and children's drawings.

2013-04
Climate Revolution Spring-Summer 2013

Vivienne Westwood's collection influenced by the articulation and colors of Beatles, paintings of Velazquez, and waste reduction techniques, including 'Square' t-shirts and dresses.

2013-06
Westwood's Support for Julian Assange and WikiLeaks

Westwood showed support for Julian Assange and WikiLeaks by dedicating one of her collections to Chelsea Manning and advocating for Assange's release through various means like 'I am Julian Assange' t-shirts at London Fashion Week.

2013-10
Save the Arctic Autumn-Winter 2013/14

Vivienne Westwood's collection inspired by medieval Europe and illuminated manuscripts from the 14th century, featuring models as illustrations and taffeta capes.

2014-04
Everything is Connected Spring-Summer 2014

Vivienne Westwood's collection influenced by Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure', Frida Kahlo iconography, and pilgrimage sandals, featuring splattered mud and recycled sunglass lenses embroideries.

2014-10
Save the Rainforest Autumn-Winter 2014/15

Vivienne Westwood's collection paying homage to Charles Frederick Worth and Empress Elizabeth of Austria, featuring frilled capes, military fatigue, and anti-fracking slogans.

2015-01
Support for the Green Party

In January 2015, Vivienne Westwood declared her support for the Green Party, citing her belief in its positive impact on the country and economy. She also made a substantial donation to fund the party's election campaign.

2015-02
Exclusion from Green Party Event

In February 2015, Vivienne Westwood was excluded from a Green Party event due to her offshore tax practices, leading her to shift her support to campaigning for the 'We are the Reality Party' candidate.

2015-03
Opening of outpost in midtown Manhattan

Vivienne Westwood Ltd announced the opening of a three-story outpost in midtown Manhattan, New York City, followed by a new shop in Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris. This expansion marked the company's global presence.

2015-04
Opening of Shanghai Cafe

The first Vivienne Westwood cafe opens in Shanghai in April 2015.

2015-10
Unisex - Time to Act Autumn-Winter 2015/16

Vivienne Westwood's collection challenging gender norms with 'Bisexual' looks and a male 'Westwood Bride', focusing on English hand-tailoring and playing with proportions.

2016-03
Handing over of Gold Label line to Andreas Kronthaler

In March 2016, Vivienne Westwood handed over the reigns of her Gold Label line to her husband Andreas Kronthaler, who then renamed it as Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood.

2016-04
Mirror the World Spring-Summer 2016

Vivienne Westwood's collection inspired by Venice of the Renaissance, featuring references to Bellini, Giorgione, and Titian, as well as the Pagan origins of Venice Carnival.

2017-04
Opening of Ginza Six flagship boutique in Japan

Vivienne Westwood opened a flagship boutique in Ginza Six, Japan, following the same concept as the Paris boutique, expanding her global presence.

2017-06
Endorsement of Jeremy Corbyn

In June 2017, Vivienne Westwood publicly endorsed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for the 2017 general election, praising his focus on fair wealth distribution and green initiatives.

2018-06
Release of Westwood Documentary

In June 2018, the documentary 'Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist' was released in the U.S., portraying Vivienne Westwood's journey from a housewife to a fashion icon. Directed by Lorna Tucker, the film received mixed reviews, with Westwood expressing disappointment over its coverage of her environmental activism.

2018-11
Flagship boutique opens on Patterson Street in Hong Kong

In November 2018, Vivienne Westwood opened a flagship boutique on Patterson Street in Hong Kong.

2019-02-18
Vivienne Westwood AW19 show report

A show report for Vivienne Westwood's AW19 collection was released on February 18, 2019.

2020-07
Westwood's Protest Against Julian Assange's Extradition

Westwood protested outside London's Old Bailey court against Julian Assange's possible extradition to the United States by wearing a yellow pantsuit and suspending herself in a giant birdcage, symbolizing herself as the canary in the coal mine.

2021-12
Vivienne Westwood Shanghai and Beijing Flagship boutiques open

In December 2021, Vivienne Westwood opened flagship boutiques in Shanghai and Beijing.

2022-12-29
Death of Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood passed away on December 29, 2022, in London at the age of 81.

2023-01-17
Death of Vivienne Westwood

Fashion icon Vivienne Westwood passed away on December 29, leaving behind a rich history and influence on alternative fashion. Her unique themes of anarchy and sensual femininity transformed her into a household name for lovers of fashion.

2023-02-16
Memorial Service at Southwark Cathedral

A memorial service for Vivienne Westwood took place at Southwark Cathedral in London on 16 February 2023.

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