Honored as the “high priestess of punk” and hailed as the “Queen of Extreme”, this fashion designer shook up the world with her revolutionary ideas. She was an unstoppable force until she passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. In 1992, Queen Elizabeth II recognized her remarkable achievements by awarding her The Order of The British Empire.

The acclaimed British fashion designer, Vivienne Westwood, peacefully passed away in London last Thursday at 81. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final moments.

Westwood simply couldn’t be bothered. She proudly showcased her orange-painted hair and ghostly complexion, which eventually earned her a reputation as one of Britain’s most revered national treasures. Her tastemaking style is best remembered for influencing Punk rock fashion trends.

Vivienne blossomed into the fashion mogul she is today from her humble beginnings in Derbyshire, England on April 8, 1941. Her mother worked as a weaver and her father was a cobbler; it was during these formative years that Vivienne began to craft her own garments. With an innate passion for style and creativity, young Vivienne developed skills that would ultimately serve as a catalyst for design greatness.

In the ’70s, Vivienne Westwood and her husband Malcolm McLaren co-created the Punk look. While he managed the Sex Pistols band, Ms. Westwood provided key contributions to developing their iconic style of dress.

From bondage clothing to tartan plaids, her designs have included an iconic piece with The Queen sporting a safety pin piercing her lip! Her signature styles have been celebrated by celebrities such as Nigella Lawson and Marion Cotillard. Additionally, the 2008 Sex and The City Film has featured some of her most daring creations.

In 1992, Ms. Westwood embarked on her third marriage with Andreas Kronthaler, who was 25 years younger than her. The couple collaborated in the fashion industry for 24 years until Ms. Westwood launched her own ready-to-wear line in 2016. Her husband issued a statement concerning her passing away “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.”

Vivienne Westwood staunchly championed our planet and urged the fashion industry to prioritize quality above quantity. Her inspiring slogan is one that we should all strive to live by, reminding us – “What’s good for the planet is good for the economy.”

Victoria Beckham, along with other esteemed friends of Westwood’s, offered their condolences: “I’m so sad to learn of the passing of legendary designer and activist Dame Vivienne Westwood. My thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time.”

Cult-favorite fashion designer Marc Jacobs shared the following thought on Instagram: “You did it first. Always. Incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance…

Music Icon Billy Idol wrote on Twitter:”RIP it will take me a bit to take this in…”

May eternal peace be yours, Vivienne.