The fashion world is devastated today at the news of Dame Vivienne Westwood’s passing. The British fashion designer died at age 81 in Clapham, South London surrounded by her loving friends and family. In an official statement from her team, “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. She led an amazing life. Her innovation and impact over the last 60 years has been immense and will continue into the future.”

Westwood was a revolutionary designer who is often accredited with bringing punk fashion to mainstream consciousness. She sent protests down the runway, season after season, with slogan-tees and impactful imagery that called for climate change action and social justice. The designer also tackled gender norms as early as the 80s, sending male models down the runway in her signature mini-crini dresses. Her rebellious designs have captured multi-generational fascination, with Gen Z reigniting a firestorm around the Vivienne Westwood brand while lapping up her pearl orb chokers early last year.

Instagram @viviennewestwood

The designer’s impact transcends the runway and will continue to with the launch of “The Vivienne Foundation,” which the designer created alongside her sons and grandchildren late this year. According to a statement from the brand, this not-for-profit company’s “goal is to raise awareness and create tangible change working with NGO’s.” The brand added that the foundation will, “officially launch next year to, honour, protect and continue the legacy of Vivienne’s life, design and activism.” Westwood is survived by her husband and creative partner, Andreas Kronhaler, who shared, “I will continue with Vivienne in my heart. We have been working until the end and she has given me plenty of things to get on with. Thank you darling.”

Dame Vivienne Westwood will be missed deeply by the global fashion community and beyond. We send our deepest condolences to her friends and family during this time of mourning.