Vivienne Westwood, a legendary British fashion designer, has made an immense contribution to the field of international fashion and style. With over 34 years of experience, she is one of the most influential and respected designers in the industry. Known for her individualistic and punk-inspired designs, Westwood has brought the punk movement back into mainstream fashion. She has designed for the British Royalty, including Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Princess Eugenie of York, as well as celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Tracey Emin. Her label, ‘The Vivienne Westwood,’ is a globally recognized brand, offering a wide range of products including perfumes, accessories, and merchandise. To learn more about her fascinating life and achievements, continue reading this biography.
Quick Facts
- British Celebrities Born In April
- Also Known As: Vivienne Westwood, Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood
- Age: 82 Years, 82 Year Old Females
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Andreas Kronthaler (m. 1992), Derek Westwood (m. 1962–1965)
- Father: Gordon Swire
- Mother: Dora Swire
- Children: Ben Westwood, Joseph Corré
- Born Country: England
- School Dropouts
- Fashion Designers
- More Facts:
- Education: Middlesex University, Goldsmiths College, University of Westminster
- Awards:
- 1990 – British Fashion Designer of the Year
- 1991 – British Fashion Designer of the Year
- 2006 – British Fashion Designer of the Year
Childhood & Early Life
Vivienne Isabel Swire, later known as Vivienne Westwood, was born in Tintwistle, Derbyshire to Gordon Swire and Dora Swire. Her father was a greengrocer and storekeeper. She attended Glossop Grammar School and later moved to London with her family in 1958. She briefly studied fashion and silversmithing at the Harrow School of Art at Westminster University before dropping out. After leaving college, she worked at a factory and later became a primary school teacher.
Career
In 1971, Westwood designed clothes for Malcolm McLaren’s boutique ‘430 King’s Road’, which gained attention when the band Sex Pistols wore their designs. In 1981, the boutique showcased its designs on the ramp for the first time, with themes like ‘pirates’ and ‘Buffalo Girls’. Westwood launched her own menswear collection in 1990 and opened ‘The Vivienne Westwood shop’ in London. She started designing wedding gowns in 1992 and collaborated with the watch company ‘Swatch’ to create exclusive watch collections. She also designed for the carpet company Brinton’s. Westwood opened her first store in New York in 1999 and launched her own line of eyewear and toiletries. In 2000, she showcased her collection at The Museum of London and launched her own fragrance called ‘Libertine’. She continued to expand her brand by opening stores in Milan, Liverpool, and Hong Kong. In 2006, she collaborated with Nine West, a shoe brand. She has also designed for members of the British royal family, including Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Princess Eugenie of York.
Major Works
Westwood’s label, ‘The Vivienne Westwood’, is internationally recognized and has boutiques in London, Leeds, Milan, Los Angeles, Paris, and other cities. She has designed for notable events such as the royal wedding and has received awards for her contributions to fashion design.
Awards & Achievements
In 1992, Westwood was awarded ‘The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’ by Queen Elizabeth II. She received the ‘Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design’ at the British Fashion Awards in 2007 and the Prince Philip Designers Prize in 2010.
Personal Life & Legacy
Westwood married Derek Westwood in 1962 and had a son with him. They divorced in 1965. She then became involved with Malcolm McLaren and had a child with him. In 1992, she married Andreas Kronthaler, her former student. They currently live together in a Queen Anne style house in Britain. Westwood has also been involved in activism, including campaigning for nuclear disarmament.
Trivia
In 2003, Westwood made male models wear fake breasts on the ramp, which caused controversy.