Statement Pieces: Vivienne Westwood on Life, Fashion, & Politics
by Lula Ososki
Vivienne Westwood is one badass designer. She was at the forefront of the British Punk movement in the 70s, with her partner at the time Malcolm McLaren (manager of the Sex Pistols) and is still rocking it today at age 74. As well as a designer, Westwood is also widely known as a political activist supporting the Green Party in the UK. Here’s some of her most powerful, and inspirational quotes:
“I’ve always felt heroic about my life… As a child, I remember little girls in the playground moaning about how boys could do more than they could. I didn’t think that was the case at all. My parents didn’t treat me as a girl.”
“It is not possible for a man to be elegant without a touch of femininity.”
“The sexiest people are thinkers. Nobody’s interested in somebody who’s just vain with a hole in their head, talking about the latest thing — there is no latest thing. It’s all rubbish.”
“You’ve got to invest in the world, you’ve got to read, you’ve got to go to art galleries, you’ve got to find out the names of plants. You’ve got to start to love the world and know about the whole genius of the human race. We’re amazing people.”
“Buy less, choose well.”
“I think dress, hairstyle and makeup are the crucial factors in projecting an attractive persona and give one the chance to enhance one’s best physical features.”
“My children came out as individuals in their own right. They were not my products. They had their own characters and were very strong-minded. I gave them a lot of freedom when they were still very young. The one thing they got from me is morals. They would never betray anyone. They are really good people.”
“I design things to help people to hopefully express their personality.”
“More people should read books. It’s the most concentrated experience you can have.”
“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.”
“I’ve got a terrible memory; it’s probably because I’m always concentrating on what I’m doing now. ”
