Fashion Icon Vivienne Westwood Passes Away At 81

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Vivienne Westwood : Runway - Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2014-2015
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 01: Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood walks the runway during the Vivienne Westwood show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2014-2015 on March 1, 2014 in Paris, France. (Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images)
The fashion pioneer was surrounded by her loved ones when she passed.

The internet is overwhelmed by tributes this evening as people pay respect to Dame Vivienne Westwood. The fashion icon has been rocking runways for decades and is a favorite among the elite. She is also widely considered a power player in the Punk Rock fashion movement, and today, it was reported that Westwood passed away.

According to PEOPLE, the 81-year-old designer and activist was "surrounded by friends and family" when she died. A specific cause of death was not shared, but a statement was given.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 12: Vivenne Westwood backstage ahead of her show during the London Fashion Week Men's June 2017 collections on June 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
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"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," the statement read. "She led an amazing life."

"I will continue with Vivienne in my heart," said Westwood's husband, designer Andreas Kronthaler. "We have been working until the end and she has given me plenty of things to get on with. Thank you darling."

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Dame Vivienne Westwood attends the 'Country & Town House: Great British Brands' party at Annabel's on January 27, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
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In the 1970s, Westwood thrived as she pioneered fashion in London's Punk Rock movement. She pushed the envelope with street styles and took over runways in fashion capitals around the globe.

Next year, her sons and granddaughter will launch The Vivienne Foundation, a non-profit, in her honor. The organization will also support causes that involve ending war, standing for human rights, protesting capitalism, and raising awareness for climate change.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Vivienne Westwood (C) and her 'Fash Mob' prior to the Vivienne Westwood Red Label show during London Fashion Week SS16 at Ambika P3 on September 20, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

We offer our sincerest condolences to the loved ones of Vivienne Westwood.

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About The Author
Erika Marie
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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