Vivienne Westwood, the British designer whose punk and new wave-inspired clothing made her a fashion legend, has died. She was 81 years old.
The eponymous design business of Vivienne Westwood confirmed her death on social media networks, stating she died peacefully surrounded by family. The reason of death was not revealed.
“The world needs individuals like Vivienne to make a positive difference,” the fashion brand said on Twitter.
Westwood’s agent has been contacted for comment by USA TODAY.
Westwood’s fashion career began during the punk boom of the 1970s, when her unique approach to urban street style swept the globe by storm. She went on to have a successful career that included spectacular runway presentations in London, Paris, Milan, and New York.
Even though her focus moved from year to year, the name Westwood remained associated with flair and attitude. Her abilities were diverse, and her work was never predictable.
Westwood, who was born on April 8, 1941 in Glossop, England, was a schoolteacher before married Derek Westwood in 1962. The pair eventually divorced in 1965.
In 1965, Westwood started a working association with Malcom McLaren, who rose to prominence as the manager of punk music band the Sex Pistols. Let It Rock, a secondhand shop that offered 1950s vintage apparel and rock music from McLaren’s collection, was their first stop, and they later founded the boutique Seditionaries.
