British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, one of the industry's most rebellious artists and who transformed the world of catwalks with her punk aesthetic, died Thursday at the age of 81, her company announced on Twitter.
"Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London," the statement read.
"The world needs people like Vivienne to change things for the better."
In addition to her innovative designs, Westwood was
a staunch activist and advocate for the environment
, and many of her collections included pieces with recycled and sustainable fabrics and other materials.
He also used the catwalks to raise awareness about climate change.
One of the most established names in the haute couture and
ready-to-wear
industry, the designer began to gain popularity in the 1970s during the
hippie
movement .
From the start, she was noted for her androgynous designs and slogan T-shirts that often confronted the
establishment.
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