Vivienne Westwood is a British fashion designer widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in British fashion. Born in Derbyshire, England, in 1941, Westwood began her career as a teacher before becoming involved in the fashion industry in the early 1970s.
A brief history on Vivienne Westwood
In 1971, Westwood met Malcolm McLaren, who would later become her partner and collaborator in both her personal and professional life. Together, they opened a boutique in London called “Let it Rock,”. This specialized in clothing inspired by the rebellious spirit of 1950s rock and roll culture.
As the years unfolded, Westwood and McLaren continued to experiment with different styles and themes. Their boutique evolved into a brand called “Sex,” known for its provocative, punk-inspired designs. This period of Westwood’s career is often credited with helping to launch the punk movement in Britain.
Transitioning into the 1980s, Westwood began to shift her focus towards more mainstream fashion, incorporating elements of traditional British tailoring and historical costume into her designs. She also became known for her use of unconventional materials, such as tartan, Harris Tweed, and PVC.
Throughout her illustrious career, Westwood received many awards and accolades, including the prestigious OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1992 and the esteemed DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2006.
The Iconic Orb Logo
The Vivienne Westwood Orb logo is an iconic symbol that has become synonymous with the designer and her brand. It features a stylized orb with a cross on top, inspired by the medieval Orb and Sceptre that represent royal power and authority.
The Orb symbolizes the Earth and the cross represents the power of the divine. This combination conveys a message of harmony between nature and spirituality, reflecting Westwood’s values and design philosophy. This logo is the foundation of Vivienne Westwood’s jewellery line.
Vivienne Westwood Jewellery
Vivienne Westwood’s jewellery line is an extension of her fashion brand and is known for its eclectic, punk-inspired designs. Westwood began creating jewellery in the late 1970s as part of her punk fashion collections, incorporating elements such as safety pins, razor blades, and other found objects into her designs.
In the 1980s, Westwood expanded her jewellery line to include more traditional pieces, such as pearl necklaces and earrings. The brand also began to incorporate more unconventional materials into her jewellery designs, such as resin, enamel, and recycled plastic.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Westwood continued to experiment with different materials and styles, creating jewellery collections that were both edgy and sophisticated. Her designs often incorporated historical and cultural references, such as Victorian cameos and Byzantine crosses.
In recent years, Westwood’s jewellery line has continued to evolve, incorporating more sustainable materials and production methods. She has also collaborated with other designers and brands on jewellery collections, including collaborations with Swarovski and Melissa Shoes.
Today, Vivienne Westwood’s jewellery enjoys a global presence, firmly establishing itself as a cornerstone in the fashion industry. Her designs are known for their bold, experimental aesthetic and continue to inspire and influence designers and fashion enthusiasts around the world.
Vivienne Westwood Death
On the 29th December 2022, Dame Vivienne Westwood died peacefully in her home at age 81. Her contributions to fashion, jewellery and art will last for generations to come.
“It’s a philosophy of life. A practice. If you do this, something will change, what will change is that you will change, your life will change, and if you can change you, you can perhaps change the world.” – Vivienne Westwood