Tributes have been paid to Dame Vivienne Westwood following the death of the “undisputed queen of British fashion”.
Her fashion house said in a statement that she died “peacefully and surrounded by her family” in London.
Westwood, 81, made a name for herself in the 1970s with her controversial punk and new wave styles and went on to dress some of fashion’s biggest stars.
Fellow designer Marc Jacobs said he was “heartbroken” and that she “never failed to be shocked and shocked”.
Paying tribute to his life and work, he wrote on Instagram: “You did it first. Always. Incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance.”
“I continue to learn from your words, and all your extraordinary creations.”
After the announcement, Westwood’s husband and creative partner Andreas Kronthaler said: “I will continue with Vivienne in my heart.
“We’ve been working towards the end and it’s given me a lot to look forward to.”
Westwood became known for his androgynous designs, slogan T-shirts and unflinching anti-establishment attitude.
She was also known as a staunch activist and brought causes she cared about, such as climate change, to the catwalk.
The designer was made a dame in 2006 for services to fashion.
Born in Derbyshire, Westwood worked as a primary school teacher in the early 1970s before setting up clothing store Let It Rock on the King’s Road in Chelsea with her then partner Malcolm McLaren.
The business was later renamed Sax and McLaren began managing a punk rock band consisting of shop regulars – The Sax Pistols. He rose to fame in 1976 wearing designs by Westwood and McLaren.
Paying tribute to Westwood, fashion designer and Spice Girl Victoria Beckham said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary designer and activist Dame Vivienne Westwood.
“My thoughts are with his family at this incredibly sad time.”
Singer Boy George, who first met Westwood in the early 1980s, called her “magnificent and inspirational” and “without question she is the undisputed queen of British fashion”.
Actress Kim Catterill described him on Instagram as a “true genius who never lost her northern spunk”, sharing a story of Westwood’s “generosity and kindness” – three days for the Sex and the City star I made three dresses so that one could attend the premiere. The film, following the designs of others, was inappropriate.
Supermodel Claudia Schaefer wrote that Westwood’s “unique voice will be irreplaceable and will be missed”, while singer Billy Idol – who rose to fame on the London punk music scene – tweeted: “RIP me in It will take a while to get…”.
The Victoria and Albert Museum, which houses some of her work, described Westwood as “a truly revolutionary and rebellious force in fashion”.
