Fashion Icon Vivienne Westwood Dies At 81

On Thursday, December 29, Dame Vivienne Westwood passed away at 81 years old. According to multiple reports, she died surrounded by her family in Clapham, South London.

The designer's fashion house released an official statement that includes her date of birth and death, as well as a quote that reads:

"'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.' - Vivienne Westwood."

The statement concludes with a message from her coworkers and loved ones: "Vivienne, we love you."

Westwood was credited with popularizing a more punk aesthetic within fashion. She was always known as a rule-breaking, gender-bending designer who took chances and aimed to revolutionize the fashion industry.

Over the years, Westwood remained a source of inspiration for many LGBTQ+ designers, musicians, models, drag performers, and artists in general. To many LGBTQ+ people, she is considered an absolute icon. Westwood was also open in the past about experiencing gender fluidity in her own life (via Elle).

This is a huge loss of a revolutionary icon in the fashion industry.

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