Vivienne Westwood was born in Tintwistle,England 70 years ago today! She is responsible for bringing modern punk and new wave fashion to the mainstream. At 17, she and her family moved to Harrow, London where she studied fashion and silversmithing. After one term, she left school, citing that the art world was no place for a working-class girl. Instead, she became a primary school teacher. During this time, she also designed jewelry which she sold on Portobello Road. Enter Malcolm McLaren, with whom she had both a personal and working relationship. In '71, they opened the shop "Let it Rock" on Kings Road. Malcolm conceived ideas while Vivienne created. Malcolm became manager for the Sex Pistols which garnered Vivienne attention for their clothing. Safety pins, spiked collars, and tartan plaid were common elements. What was unusual were Westwood's 17th and 18th century cuts. Her first catwalk show was in '81. The years '88-'92 were known as "The Pagan Years" as she moved from punks to ragamuffins. The years '93-'99 were referred to as "Anglomania" and 2000-present, "Exploration". As a fire sign, Westwood has always been an outspoken political activist with a deep love for the city of London. She still owns several namesake stores and appeals to the likes of Dita Von Teese and Gwen Stefani. The dress she designed for Carrie Bradshaw's wedding to Mr. Big in the "Sex and the City" movie has become iconic. She does not watch t.v. nor read newspapers or magazines. It is said she is an avid gardner. She and her much younger husband live in an eighteenth century house belonging to Captain Cook's mother.
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