Westwoods Story- Layla Smuga Tolworth girls school
Vivienne began by designing and making Teddy Boy clothes for Malcolm McLaren (her boyfriend of the time). He is well known for being the manager of the punk band The Sex Pistols as well as a musician himself and a fashion designer. in 1971 they opened a small boutique called Let it Rock in Chelsea, London.
In 1972 Vivienne’s interests had turned to biker clothing, zips, and leather. The shop re-branded with a skull and crossbones and was renamed Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die.
Between 1974 and 1976 Vivienne and McLaren ran their boutique called “Sex”. Then later in 1981 Vivienne and Malcom held their first catwalk. They drew ideas from different historical eras (mainly renaissance), having models wearing pirate-like outfits and corsets, like the ones used by aristocrats in the 1800s.
However, three years later Vivienne began working independently and was adored due to her unique designs. Iconic Vivienne styles consisted of slogan t-shirts, bubbles skirts, corsets, tweed and tartan, extremely tall platforms (Naomi Campbell famously fell in 12inch heels).
Her work continues to be admired by all for her creativity and uniqueness, having an exhibition dedicated to her in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, in 2004. The two years later Elizabeth II makes Vivienne a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Sher has also been known for her statements about politics and opinions of the world, the most famous example of this being in 2014, when Vivienne shaved all her hair as a sign of protest climate change. She encouraged others to “Buy less, choose well, make it last”.