Naomi Campbell has paid tribute to Dame Vivienne Westwood after her death (Picture: Rose Hartman/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
Naomi Campbell has described Dame Vivienne Westwood as a ‘force of nature’ following her death aged 81.
The iconic fashion designer died on Thursday ‘peacefully’ and surrounded by her family, and now the supermodel has reflected on her close bond with Dame Vivienne, from admiring her as a child to working with her and considering her a friend.
In a poignant post on Instagram, she shared a number of snapshots both of herself with the late legend, and walking the runway in her shows.
She wrote: ‘The Original Queen of Fashion , Dame #VivenneWestwood @viviennewestwood , Wife , Mother Grandmother and Friend ..
‘I remember as I child riding the bus home from school driving by Kings road seeing seeing all the punks with this risk taking way of dressing and hair , it was a revolutionary, i did not know then I would meet in 86 and get to work with Vivenne Westwood and get to call her a friend .. (sic)’
Naomi pointed to Dame Vivienne’s ‘admirable’ strength in a business ‘dominated by men’, and revealed how she was inspired by her dedication and passion.
Naomi admired Dame Vivienne (Picture: Vivienne Westwood)
They went onto become good friends (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
‘You were a force of nature , that would always encourage me to push forward not give up on things I was passionate about doing outside of work,’ she continued. ‘Your honesty was to be valued whether we liked to hear it or not , your spoke your truth , real and authentic..
Your story telling designs that were busting with Regal and ground breaking cuts that everyone has copied till this very day !! And your beautiful love story with Andreas , one we read about in fairy tales , that i witnessed . for decades. We can only dream of such Love .. (sic)’
She insisted the legend’s ‘legacy is just beginning’ and will be remembered ‘forever’ due to her vast contributions to the fashion world.
Sir Paul McCartney has also paid his respects (Picture: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images)
‘YOUR LEGACY IS JUST BEGINNING, and it will be etched in stone for Forever, as your contribution to our industry is immeasurable . They could not make enough awards of what you truly deserved,’ she added.
‘To be be able to visit with you recently i feel blessed .and will carry that memory in my heart always .. REST ON THE THROWN YOU SO GREATLY DESERVE QUEEN (sic)’
Meanwhile, The Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney has also paid tribute to Dame Vivienne, whom he described as a ‘ballsy lady’.
He wrote on Twitter: ‘Goodbye Vivienne Westwood. A ballsy lady who rocked the fashion world and stood defiantly for what was right. Love Paul x’
Their kind words come after fans, friends and clients – including the likes of David Beckham and Boy George – have all fondly remembered the acclaimed artist.
Dame Vivienne’s representative confirmed the sad news of her death on Thursday evening, with her husband and creative partner Andreas Kronthaler later saying in a statement: ‘I will continue with Vivienne in my heart.
‘We have been working until the end and she has given me plenty of things to get on with. Thank you darling.’
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