Vivienne Westwood Dead at 81: How to Watch the Movie About the Fashion Designer’s Life

Vivienne Westwood, the iconic fashion designer, has died. She was 81.

Westwood died on Dec. 29 in Clapham, South London. No cause of death was immediately available. The sad news was confirmed by her namesake fashion house, who shared on social media that she died “peacefully and surrounded by her family.”

The post continued, “The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better.”

In the statement, the fashion house included a quote by the late designer: “Tao spiritual system. There was never more need for the Tao today. Tao gives you a feeling that you belong to the cosmos and gives purpose to your life; it gives you such a sense of identity and strength to know you’re living the life you can live…”

Westwood rose to fame for designing clothes in a boutique owned by herself and Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren. She is often credited for being an important figure in the punk scene in the 1970s. She went on to launch her own company, which expanded to retail shops across the United Kingdom.

Westwood’s notable clients include Dita Von Teese, Marion Cotillard, Princess Eugenie and Pharrell Williams; her designs were also featured in Final Fantasy XV and Sex and the City.

During her life, Westwood was the subject of multiple films, including Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist and Wake Up Punk. Looking to remember Westwood? Read on to learn how to watch both movies.

How to Watch Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist:

This 2018 release is said to be the first film to tell Vivienne Westwood’s story. The synopsis teases that the film will “encompass the remarkable story of one of the true icons of our time, as she fights to maintain her brand’s integrity, her principles – and her legacy.” Right now, the movie is available to watch for free (with ads) on YouTube, Roku and Tubi.

How to Watch Wake Up Punk:

Nigel Askew’s 2016 documentary features Vivienne Westwood alongside other punk greats like Edward Tudor-Pole and Malcolm McLaren. The film follows activist Joseph Corré (Westwood’s son) and the backlash he received from burning punk rock memorabilia that cost over $6 million as part of an anti-capitalism protest. He partnered with Westwood for the event. Unfortunately, it appears as though this documentary is not available for streaming or purchase in the United States, however it had a limited run in the United Kingdom beginning May 5 and premiered on VOD services shortly after, such as iTunes, Google Play, Sky Video and more.