// Designers Marc Jacobs and Victoria Beckham lead the tributes to Dame Vivienne Westwood, who passed away yesterday
// The British Fashion Council branded Westwood a “fashion revolutionary” who not only defined punk but “drove postive change globally”
The fashion industry has paid tribute to iconic designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, who passed away yesterday, aged 81.
Designer Marc Jacobs said: “Heartbroken. You did it first. Always. Incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance.”
Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham wrote on Instagram:“I’m so sad to learn of the passing of legendary designer and activist Dame Vivienne Westwood. My thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time.”
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Westwood, who was a pioneer of the punk movement, passed “peacefully and surrounded by her family” in Clapham, South London, her eponymous brand revealed yesterday.
It added: “The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better”.
Westwood first came to prominence in the 1970s when she opened a shop on Kings Road with music manager Malcolm McLaren, where she dressed many of the bands he managed, including the Sex Pistols.
Her designs came to define the punk aesthetic.
She has also become synonymous with ethical fashion and lobbied the goverment to ban the sale of fur.
The British Fashion Council said: “We are devastated to hear the death of British designer and activist Vivienne Westwood, who has died aged 81. Through her creativity and innovation, she has led the way, inspiring others to be themselves.
“A fashion revolutionary, her work not only changed the fashion industry – giving birth to and defining punk but it also drove positive change globally. Her legacy will define generations to come. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
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