Westwood’s Unapologetic Work in Climate Change Carries On After Death at 81
Vivianne Westwood, wavemaker in the fashion industry and climate activist dies at 81. And the gap in the fashion industry she left behind has not gone unnoticed. Nor her spitfire of an influence in the fight against climate change.
Westwood's, "The doyenne of British fashion," career spanned five decades. Her story started when she introduced punk to high and luxury fashion in the 1970's opening a store on the Kings Road in the London's Chelsea. Her boldness, shredded t-shirts, leather and zips ignited a cultural fire that burned through England and the rest of the world.
“We wanted to undermine the establishment,” Westwood once said. “We hate it. We want to destroy it. We don’t want it. We were youth against age, that’s what it was.” — “The way I rationalize it is that we have every right to do it, because what we are saying to the older generation is: ‘You’ve mismanaged this world, and we don’t accept any of your advice, and what’s more, we don’t accept any of your taboos, and, you know, we are just going to confront you with all this.’”
With the fashion industry holding the third place for most carbon emissions right behind the oil industry, higher ups have been fighting against changing their ways by continuously greenwashing their campaigns like squeezing out the last bit of toothpaste in the bottle.
As one of the UK's last independent brands, Westwood educated the industry on climate change and sustainability using her voice of influence and respect amongst her peers. As a face and ambassador for Greenpeace, she participated in several campaigns such as War Child and Liberty, as well as launching a global campaign to stop drilling and industrial fishing in the Artic.
“I just use fashion as an excuse to talk about politics. Because I'm a fashion designer, it gives me a voice, which is really good,” said Westwood.
The fashion industry is famous for getting away with greenwashing, and being left unchecked by its manipulative tactics against their consumers. Without Westwood inspiring her peers to stand for moral integrity instead of stuffing their pockets, there is concern for the future of fashion.
Business of Fashion reported that fashion is a big polluter and it’s emissions are rising fast, putting it far out of step with international commitments to limit global warming. But it’s also an industry under pressure from supply chain disruptions, rising raw material prices and an uncertain outlook.
The industry will miss her shows gracing fashion week with her political and most of the time, controversial messages painted in bold letters on her clothing. Others like the British prime minister David Cameron probably wont miss Westwood driving a tank to his home to protest fracking.
But even with Westwood gone, her legacy and work in the industry continues to gain momentum.
The British Fashion Council continues it's initiative launched with Westwood through companies who signed up to join the efforts such as Christopher Raeburn and Stella McCartney. .
The noose is tightening around greenwashing regulations, and consumers are being educated through social media as to what exactly is happening in the sweatshops pumping out articles of clothing for companies like Shein and H&M. Because of voices like Westwood and the voices following her footsteps, brands and businesses can no longer afford to ignore the climate crisis.
Me personally, hearing the news about Westwood brought me to tears. I once told my husband that Westwood reminded me of my grammy who also passed away recently. Both of the women had an eye for fashion and loved to layer their arms in jewels and vibrant animal prints. My grammy experienced much oppression in her life, and I always wonder who she would have been if she was able to be the fullest version of herself, and Westwood always came to mind.
My grammy is one of the reasons why I am pursueing fashion today, as Westwood is one of the reasons as to why I am so passionate about sustainability in the industry. Losing Westwood felt like reopening a wound. But I’m reminded of my favorite quote of hers -
“If we’re talking about what the work of activism really is, it’s about seeing the world as it is, not as we’re told,” she said. “Our job is to imagine change and make it true.”
Westwood left behind a legacy, I am that legacy. And I’ll take that wound and wear it like a badge. It means that I was impacted by Westwood, as was many people in the industry who will take her death to the streets to continue to be unapologetic, bring those practicing greenwashing to the stand and do whatever it takes to save our lineage. That being said, anyone know where to get a tank? ;)
Tribute to Westwood after her death.