British fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood died on Thursday, December 29, at the age of 81.
Westwood passed away peacefully surrounded by family in London. “Vivienne continued to do the things she loved up until her last moment, designing, working on her art, writing her book, and changing the world for the better,” a representative said in a statement. “She led an amazing life. Her innovation and impact over the last 60 years has been immense and will continue into the future.”
Following the news, those in the fashion world, including designers like Stella McCartney and Donatella Versace and models like Naomi Campbell and Bella Hadid, paid tribute to Westwood, one of the industry’s greatest innovators and an icon. From Marc Jacobs to Helena Christensen, here are all the fashion world’s tributes to Dame Vivienne Westwood:
Donatella Versace
On Instagram, designer Donatella Versace posted a picture of herself, Westwood, and Jil Sander from 2008 and wrote, “Vivienne was an iconic pioneer in Fashion and its greatest Punk. She broke all of the establishment rules to make clothes that spoke of independence, rebellion, and power. She gave generations of young people new codes to express themselves.”
Bella Hadid
Model Bella Hadid shared images of herself and Westwood on Instagram. “Dearest Vivienne, Queen of Punk,” she wrote. “From the first day I met you to the last day I saw you, you made me smile, listen, learn and love more than the day before. I will forever be grateful to have been in your orbit, because to me and most, in fashion & in humanity, you, Vivienne, were the sun.”
Helena Christensen
“Somehow I imagined Vivienne living way into her 100s,” the ’90s model wrote on Instagram. “She still had so many urgent matters to shed light on, so many causes to support, still so many injustices to be outspoken about …and so many more magical outfits to create. ⭐️ This talented and brilliant lady was so unique and so punk in all the way punk should be. She did it her way, all the way. I will always be grateful for having been in her inspiring company ♥️ Rest in glorious power @viviennewestwood.”
Marc Jacobs
Designer Marc Jacobs wrote on Instagram, “You did it first. always. incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance. I continue to learn from your words, and, all of your extraordinary creations. I will always remember the night we bonded over our mutual love for Yves Saint Laurent. You never failed to surprise and to shock. I am grateful for the moments I got to share with you and Andreas.”
Naomi Campbell
The model shared images of herself and Westwood on Instagram and wrote, ”I remember as a child riding the bus home from school and driving by Kings Road seeing all the punks with their risk taking way of dressing and hair. It was revolutionary, I didn’t know then that I would meet Vivienne Westwood in 86 and not only get to work with her but be able to call her a friend. Your strength was admirable in a business dominated by men. You were a force of nature, that would always encourage me to push forward and not give up on things I was passionate about outside of modeling.”
Christy Turlington
“An artist, a punk, a working mother and also a designer whose brand is still as relevant today as ever,” wrote model Christy Turlington on Instagram alongside photos of herself modeling Westwood’s clothing throughout her modeling career. “Vivienne once faxed me a handwritten letter inviting me to participate in one of her shows, as one did in the early 90’s. She had recently viewed Davinci’s ‘Lady with an Ermine’ and was excited to tell me how the painting reminded her of me. I am quite sure it was the ermine, not the lady! Thank you, Vivienne, for staying so true to your principles and values and most importantly, for leading the way with spunk and with humor….”
Rose McGowan
“Deeply saddened by a true punk’s passing, Vivienne Westwood, what a hellraiser, what a talent,” actor Rose McGowan wrote on Twitter, along with photos of herself in Westwood’s clothing.
Stella McCartney
McCartney shared a carousel of photos on her Instagram grid, along with a touching tribute in the caption. “Vivienne invented historic fashion design moments that woke us all up and shook the industry to its core,” she wrote. “She led the way forward, never apologizing for exposing unjust wrongs in the world and asking uncomfortable questions.”
