The death of Vivienne Westwood, whose fashion creations are largely credited with popularizing punk trends.
She passed away peacefully and in the company of loved ones on Thursday in South London, according to a statement from Westwood’s team.
The declaration reads: “Vivienne continued to do the things she loved, up until the last moment, designing, working on her art, writing her book, and changing the world for the better.”
“Vivienne considered herself a Taoist. She wrote, “Tao spiritual system. There was never more need for the Tao today. Tao gives you a feeling that you belong to the cosmos and gives purpose to your life; it gives you such a sense of identity and strength to know you’re living the life you can live and therefore ought to be living: make full use of your character and full use of your life on earth.”
“The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better.”
Westwood’s first breakthrough came as a result of the UK store SEX that she co-owned with Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren. She continued to open stores after that, first in London and then all over the world.
Later in her career, she collaborated with Pharrell Williams, created wedding looks for Princess Eugenie, and even created uniforms for the Virgin Atlantic crew, which is owned by Richard Branson.