PIONEERING fashion designer and climate change activist Dame Vivienne Westwood has died aged 81 year.
Derbyshire born Westwood’s regal designed have graced the catwalk since her first show in 1981 Pirates.
She first made a name for herself when she and her partner Malcolm Mc Claren opened Sex on the Kings Road, Chelsea and duo became synonymous with the Punk scene with McClaren managing the Sex Pistols.
Later in her career she became a dedicated social activist campaigning in the fight against climate change and environmental destruction including fracking. She launched her own manifesto and famously wore her “I’m not a terrorist please don’t shoot me” tee shirt at her shows in protest at the shooting of John De Menezes by police.
She campaigned against the extradition of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to America for espionage charges.
She often criticised politicians and governments and was quoted as describing the last Labour government under Tony Blair as philistine.
Co-leader of the Green Party Caroline Lucas said: “Such a legend, a huge inspiration, brilliantly creative and always a committed activist for people and planet – my thoughts are with her family and friends – RIP”.
Charnwood News 
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