The Vivienne Westwood store at Bicester Village has closed as a mark of respect to the fashion designer, who has died aged 81.

A statement on the designer outlet store's website reads: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Vivienne Westwood.

"As a mark of respect, the Vivienne Westwood boutique at Bicester Village will be closed from Friday 30 December until further notice."

Known for her counterculture aesthetic and commitment to the environment, Ms Westwood helped set the fashion tone for the punk movement in the 1970s.

She opened a shop with her then-partner Malcolm McLaren on the King’s Road in 1971 – later called SEX – which was frequented by some of the biggest names in punk – including the Sex Pistols, who McLaren managed.

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During this time, Westwood’s designs set the tone for punk fashion with ripped T-shirts, lots of safety pin embellishments and tartan accents.

Westwood often used anti-establishment iconography in her clothes – particularly subverting traditional images of the monarchy.

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She continued working until the end of her life, with the announcement on her Instagram page reading: “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 60 years has been immense and will continue into the future.”

 

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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