How did celebrities pay tribute to late fashion legend and activist Vivienne Westwood? Click here.
by Ana Walia | Fri, 30 Dec 2022 20:05:31 GMT
Fashion legend and activist Vivienne Westwood passes away at the age of 81. Image Source: People 

Fashion legend and activist Vivienne Westwood passes away at the age of 81.

Vivienne Westwood, the fashion legend and activist, died at the age of 81, according to her eponymous fashion house, which stated that she died peacefully on Thursday in Clapham, South London, surrounded by her family. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Several celebrities have paid their respects to the late designer and activist.

Sarah Jessica Parker commented on the image from the official "And Just Like That Costumes" Instagram account, specifically on the post honoring Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw's wedding gown on Sex and the City which was inspired by Westwood. The caption read, thank you, Vivienne, for being such a crucial component of their fashion lives. The caption concluded with the official handle of the show passing on their condolences for the punk sistah. Sarah Jessica Parker commented, "Sob. Xxx."

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Kim Cattrall was also disheartened by Westwood's death. The "Sex and the City" star shared her fondest memories of the "genius" designer, by sharing a photo of herself hugging Westwood on Instagram and described her as the "priestess of punk" as she was known in the fashion world. She said Vivienne Westwood was a true masterpiece who just never lost her northern grit describing a brief anecdote about how Vivienne Westwood stepped in it when a slew of outfits failed to work out during a European press tour years ago. Kim said she was heartbroken until a former acquaintance promptly took her to see Vivienne Westwood's atelier, and Vivienne made her a new dress in three days and two others to go with it for each of the upcoming openings. Kim finally added that she will never forget her kindness and compassion in making that possible.

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis paid homage to Vivienne Westwood with three Instagram posts. In one of post, Jamie recalled her former partner at the time, English singer Adam Ant, who she revealed had given her a huge box of clothing from Vivienne Westwood, trying to introduce her to the designer's brilliance. Jamie wrote that she grew up in a very conservative household; her stepfather was a Marine, and her mother was a good girl, so the box of apparel that started to look like a pirate would wear overjoyed and terrified her. She further said that it was avant-garde and punk, risky and rebellious—not words someone would associate her with, but Jamie bravely tried to wear them. The Emmy nominee also revealed how her hairdresser, Sean James (who Curtis revealed in a different post is a worshiper and brand ambassador forever" of Vivienne Westwood's), re-introduced her to the label.

The actress mentioned that all of these years, she has been able to experience her magic through him and she wishes she had those clothes right now. Jamie Lee Curtis acknowledged Vivienne Westwood as a true legend and concluded by saying that she's a gifted dame.

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Former Spice Girl, and eponymous fashion designer, Victoria Beckham also paid tribute to her industry colleague on Instagram, writing that she is so devastated to hear of the passing of iconic designer and activist Dame Vivienne Westwood adding that her thoughts are with her family during such a challenging time.

Amelia Gray Hamlin, the daughter of Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna, expressed her condolences on Instagram after walking the Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 2023 fashion show at Paris Fashion Week this past October. She wrote thank you to Vivienne Westwood for transforming her life, for her groundbreaking punk. Amelia had shared a video of herself walking the Vivienne Westwood catwalk on her Instagram Story.

Vivienne Westwood was also remembered by supermodel and singer-songwriter Karen Elson who described the late designer as a reckoner who tried to push the needle of British fashion and proceeded in that fearless spirit of the original her entire career. Karen also added that fashion, art, and culture will mourn the passing of a massive woman who molded how and what people wore. In conclusion, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Rest In Peace.

Kenneth Cole, a fashion designer, paid his respects by directly quoting Vivienne Westwood on Twitter by writing that fashion is life-enhancing, and he thinks it's a lovely, generous thing to do for other people.

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Sam McKnight, a hairstylist who collaborated with Vivienne Westwood and her husband and creative partner, Andreas Kronthaler, on the label's runway presentations, also paid tribute. "Rest in peace, dear Vivienne," he wrote. Sam further said how fortunate was he to have spun around in her world's magical orbit adding that he is thankful from the bottom of his heart and stated that Vivienne Westwood is a true original, a trailblazer, a taboo buster, and a generational icon.

Derek Blasberg, a fashion journalist, described the "last time" he saw Westwood, showcasing her groundbreaking work, brilliant spirit, and enduring activism. He wrote that she will be recalled in style textbooks for ushering in London's counter-culture scene to high fashion. Derek further noted that the last time he saw her, she was dressed like a yellow canary and swinging inside a gigantic birdcage stationed outside London's criminal courtroom, the Old Bailey. Derek in conclusion said that Vivienne Westwood's life was assertive, ceaseless, and fantastic and she will be missed.

Dame Vivienne Westwood, Rest In Peace.

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