Vivienne Westwood’s life in pictures

Punk icon Vivienne Westwood

Dynamic duo Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood outside Bow Street Magistrates Court in 1977 after being released on bail for outrageous behaviour. Photo: Mirrorpix / Mirrorpix/Getty Images

Without Vivienne Westwood and her then love Malcolm McLaren: No Sex Pistols. From the couple’s shop SEX on the Kings Road in London, a vision was created, and associated clothes, for a new time and a new attitude: Punk.

Vivienne Westwood together with Sid Vicious, bass player in the legendary punk band Sex Pistols that Vivienne created together with Malcolm McLaren. Photo: Ian Dickson/Redferns/Getty Images

Vivienne Westwood with her gang (among them Chrissie Hynde, later in The Pretenders) in the Sex shop on Kings Road in London - where it all began.

Vivienne Westwood with her gang (among them Chrissie Hynde, later in The Pretenders) in the Sex shop on Kings Road in London – where it all began. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK / SHUTTERSTOCK EDITORIAL/IBL

Designer Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood in sim atelier in London, early 80s.

Vivienne Westwood in sim atelier in London, early 80s. Photo: Michael Putland/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

After the Sex Pistols’ short but intense career, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood became a reality. The first real collection was named Pirate and was shown at the turning point between the 70s and 80s. The pirate aesthetic has since returned to Westwood many times, and the tartan pattern is also a typical Westwood signature. For the masses, she became a household name with first Sex & The City– the movie when Carrie Bradshaw is getting married in an incredible dress, signed by Westwood.

Success! Happy with his models after being named Designer of the Year at the 1990 British Fashion Awards.

Success! Happy with his models after being named Designer of the Year at the 1990 British Fashion Awards. Photo: UPPA/PHOTOSHOT / AVALON / STELLA PICTURES/UPPA/PHOTOSHOT / AVALON AVALON

She eventually became one of Britain's most respected designers.

She eventually became one of Britain’s most respected designers. Photo: PAUL COOPER/SHUTTERSTOCK / SHUTTERSTOCK EDITORIAL/IBL

On the catwalk in 1997 - receives the crowd's cheers during the Paris Fashion Weel.

On the catwalk in 1997 – receives the crowd’s cheers during the Paris Fashion Weel. Photo: ERIC FEFERBERG / AFP TT NEWS AGENCY

The wedding dress that created a monster... Or at least a wedding monster that gave Big cold feet. Carrie's dream dress signed by Vivienne Westwood is said to appear in the upcoming season of And Just Like That.

The wedding dress that created a monster… Or at least a wedding monster that gave Big cold feet. Carrie’s dream dress signed by Vivienne Westwood is said to appear in the upcoming season of And Just Like That. Photo: DOUBLE CLICK IMAGES / STELLA PICTURES DOUBLE CLICK IMAGES/PACIFIC COAST

2009 with flowers in her arms and models around her - on the catwalk after her show at London Fashion Week 2009.

2009 with flowers in her arms and models around her – on the catwalk after her show at London Fashion Week 2009. Photo: BEN STANSALL / AFP TT NEWS AGENCY

She was knighted for her work in fashion and culture.

She was knighted for her work in fashion and culture. Photo: FIONA HANSON / AP TT NEWS AGENCY

Activist Vivienne Westwood

$Vivienne was very involved in climate issues. Here she demonstrates against fracking (a method of extracting fossil fuels) in 2018.$

Vivienne was very involved in climate issues. Here she demonstrates against fracking (a method of extracting fossil fuels) in 2018. Photo: ANDY RAIN / EPA / TT / EPA TT NEWS AGENCY

She probably wouldn’t have been able to create punk if she wasn’t completely fearless about standing up for what she believes in. It was something that followed her throughout her long life – from young to old. Vivienne was a true activist who used fashion as a means of expression to make the world a better place.

Early 80s and Vivienne Westwood protests outside the Natural History Museum in London.

Early 80s and Vivienne Westwood protests outside the Natural History Museum in London. Photo: GLENN COPUS/EVENING STANDARD/SHU / SHUTTERSTOCK EDITORIAL/IBL

Vivienne Westwood demonstrates at Julian Assange's 50th birthday in London. She showed a lot of support for the Wikileaks founder.

Vivienne Westwood demonstrates at Julian Assange’s 50th birthday in London. She showed a lot of support for the Wikileaks founder. Photo: HENRY NICHOLLS / REUTERS X06612

One of many demonstrations to draw attention to climate change and create debate around environmental destruction.

One of many demonstrations to draw attention to climate change and create debate around environmental destruction. Photo: YUI MOK / PA PHOTOS TT NEWS AGENCY

Loved Vivienne Westwood

A real blow kiss! Her husband Andreas Kronthaler, 25 years her junior, took over as designer at Vivienne Westwood when Vivienne chose to retire.

A real blow kiss! Her husband Andreas Kronthaler, 25 years her junior, took over as designer at Vivienne Westwood when Vivienne chose to retire. Photo: GONZALO FUENTES / REUTERS X07238

She was loved by an entire fashion industry – Vivienne Westwood hugely respected. From punks to royalty, she had one foot everywhere. And be welcome everywhere.

Two queens – who both left us this year after long, exciting lives. Queen Elizabeth II and fashion queen Dame Vivien Westwood met several times, here in 1999.

Two queens – who both left us this year after long, exciting lives. Queen Elizabeth II and fashion queen Dame Vivien Westwood met several times, here in 1999. Photo: FIONA HANSON / PA PHOTOS TT NEWS AGENCY

Two British fashion icons – perhaps the greatest of them all? Model Kate Moss and Vivienne Westwood in 2009.

Two British fashion icons – perhaps the greatest of them all? Model Kate Moss and Vivienne Westwood in 2009. Photo: DANIEL DEME / EPA / TT / EPA TT NEWS AGENCY

With royalty Camilla at the Elephant Family Animal Ball 2019.