Celebrities and fashion industry insiders are paying tribute to Dame Vivienne Westwood, a prominent English designer, and activist who died on Thursday. She was 81.
According to a statement made by the company on Instagram, Westwood died softly in Clapham, South London, surrounded by friends and family. The cause of death was not revealed right away.
“Up to the very last minute, Vivienne kept doing what she loved: designing, creating art, writing a book, and helping the world. She had a wonderful life. Her impact on creation and society over the last 60 years has been immense and will continue, ” The announcement was written on the label.
“The world needs people like Vivienne to make a positive difference,” the label added.
Westwood is acknowledged for revolutionizing the face of fashion, particularly in London in the mid-1970s. His influence was felt by many celebrities, designers, stylists, and models, who used social media to express their sorrow and appreciation for the fashion giant.
The Halloween actress paid respect to Westwood in three Instagram photos. In one, she recalls dating English artist Adam Ant, who brought her a “big shipment of clothes” from Westwood and introduced her to the designer’s creativity.
“I was raised in a relatively conservative home; my stepfather was a Marine, and my mother was a good girl,” Curtis said in his post description. “This collection of pirate garb both intrigued and scared me.”
“I tried my hardest to wear it, but it was avant-garde and punk and dangerous and rebellious, not adjectives you would associate with me,” she explained.
The Emmy nominee also discussed how her hairstylist, Sean James, who Curtis characterized in a separate post as a “devotee and brand ambassador forever” of Westwood, reignited her love for the company.
“For all these years, I’ve witnessed her magic via him. I wish I had those clothes on right now. Curtis, a true legend and a gifted lady, passed away.”
She also shared a photo of the book cover for Westwood’s autobiography with the comment, “I N F L U E N C E R @viviennewestwood REST IN PUNK.”
