Vivienne Westwood

(Born 04/08/1941)

Self taught as a designer. Westwood's career has turned full-circle from anti-establishment to exponent of British heritage and craftsmanship. With partner Malcolm McLaren launched the variously named Kings Road shops Let It Rock (1970), Too Fast to Live Too Young To Die (1972), Sex (1974), Seditionaries (1976), and Worlds End (1981). Since 1982 Westwood has shown her collections on the catwalk, at first in London and from 1983 in Paris. The mini-crini collection of 1985 marked a turning-point in her career. John Fairchild has called her one of the five most important designers of the 20th century. She produces haute couture and ready-to-wear clothes for men and women, plus ranges of accessories and knitwear. British Designer of the Year 1990 and 1991.

Source: The Cutting Edge - 50 years of British Fashion. The Overlook Press.

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