Vivienne Westwood dead aged 81: Legendary designer who brought punk fashion to mainstream dies peacefully at family home

FASHION legend Dame Vivienne Westwood has died aged 81.

The designer and activist died "peacefully and surrounded by her family" in Clapham, South London yesterday.

She was largely responsible for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream.

Vivienne came to public notice when she made clothes for Malcolm McLaren's boutique on the King's Road, which became famous as "SEX".

It was their ability to synthesise clothing and music that shaped the 1970s UK punk scene, dominated by McLaren's band, the Sex Pistols.

She was deeply inspired by the shock-value of punk—"seeing if one could put a spoke in the system".

She is now one of the most iconic designers in the world.

Her death was announced on her brand's social media page.

The statement read: "Vivienne Westwood died today, peacefully and surrounded by her family, in Clapham, South London.

"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.

"She led an amazing life. Her innovation and impact over the last 6 years has been immense and will continue into the future."

Meanwhile Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne's husband and creative partner said: "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."

A cause of death was not disclosed.

Westwood's fashion career began in the 1970s with the punk explosion, when her radical approach to urban street style took the world by storm.

But she went on to enjoy a long career highlighted by a string of triumphant runway shows in London, Paris, Milan and New York.

The name Westwood became synonymous with style and attitude even as she shifted focus from year to year.

Her range was vast and her work was never predictable.

Tributes have been paid to her from across the world of fashion and music.

Singer Boy George wrote on Twitter: “R.I.P to the great and inspiring Vivienne Westwood who lead us through punk and beyond.

"Laughed at by the fashion industry but without question she is the undisputed Queen of British fashion. I love you! Oh bondage up yours!”

Meanwhile Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock, a former worker at the shop in Chelsea owned by Malcolm McLaren and Westwood, said on Twitter: "I have just heard the sad news about a one off, single minded, talented lady.

Fellow fashion icon Marc Jacobs wrote: "Incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance.

"I continue to learn from your words, and, all of your extraordinary creations. I will always remember the night we bonded over our mutual love for Yves Saint Laurent.

"You never failed to surprise and to shock. I am grateful for the moments I got to share with you and Andreas.

"Rest in Peace dear Vivienne, although, somehow peace seems like the wrong word.

"My deepest sympathies to Andreas and your family."