Words of Wisdom: Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood is as much an icon as she is a fashion designer. Coming up from modest beginnings, this self-taught seamstress has become one of the most recognized fashion designers of all time. Her punk influenced designs have successfully ridden the curves thrown by generational subculture with the grace of a swan, the fortitude of a royal tank.

Her words speak of a vibrant past, and a eccentric, anarchistic approach to creativity...

“There's always a polemic in my clothes.”

“I think it is terribly important to have opinions, and to think. We live in a world of action without thought.”

“For me Margaret Thatcher has always been one of the world's best-dressed people. Her politics were appalling, but her look gave her incredible presence.”

"We wanted to step off our island and add the color of the third world. We got gold cigarette paper and stuck it around our teeth. We really did look like pirates and dressed to look the part."

"We lived in a tiny 4-wheel box-like thing made of wood that attached to the car. We parked it at the beach so my children could benefit from the sea air. Eventually, I went back to teaching - but it was mostly on and off."

"The muscular, athletic type is not representative of the human race, who are varied in their physique."

"It is not possible for a man to be elegant without a touch of femininity."

"I was still interested in the youth rebellion but never-the-less I stopped being a victim. Stopped trying to attack the establishment realizing that it takes too much of your energy."

"I think some people would love to be able to make the clothes I make - and of course, I do influence them, but they keep simplifying, and minimalism doesn't quite work."

"I think dress, hairstyle and make-up are the crucial factors in projecting an attractive persona and give one the chance to enhance one's best physical features."

"I am attracted to people who make this effort in knowing what suits them - they are individual and stylish."

"Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well."

"Even though it was the 70s, we found old stocks of clothes that had never been worn from the 50s and took them apart. I started to teach myself how to make clothes from that kind of formula."

"...since I always had my own little shop and direct access to the public, I've been able to build up a technique without marketing people ever telling me what the public wants."

“I'm not trying to do something different, I'm trying to do the same thing but in a different way.”