Here and Queer

To me, starting with a quote is deemed necessary. "From the start of her career in design, Westwood’s clothes challenged and undermined gender norms, and it’s probably for that reason why she is so revered by the LGBTQI+ community" (Wellington). 

Vivienne started her career in fashion with designs that marveled atypical heteronormative(4) fashion and beauty. Within her intricate pieces expressing sexual pleasure, androgyny, and early onset breaking of the stream-line masculine and feminine departments, Vivienne became an immediate hit within the fashion society. From the beginning, Vivienne Westwood made her designs with perfect execution of what she wanted to be shared and appreciated. 

Equally as important, punk fashion as a whole is a majority of integrating queer representation. The word "punk" is to be something out of the ordinary, to step out of marginalized markings on gender or sexuality. Aging all the way back into Shakespeare, he used the term "punk" as a way to describe female prostitutes or younger men sold to older men for sexual pleasure. Along the way, "punk" and "queer" became a match made in harmony. Noise, anarchy, and refusal of strict gender roles holding hands with bravery to be outspoken, headstrong, and refusal to back down. Her inspiration stretched from fashion to music, which others may deem contributing to more exemplifications(5). 

Westwood had major contributions to the drag community from start to finish. After her tragic passing in December of 2022, many took to social media to express their condolences and appreciation towards her work in queer fashion. One of the biggest drag shows in history, RuPaul's Drag Race, had featured queens who had embraced Westwood's styles and artistic explorations. Her husband took the initiative to deem the brand "non-binary" after her passing, making sure all who care to explore uncharted fashion territories feel safe and welcome doing so. 

Photos from left to right: 

Models kiss after walking for Vivienne Westwood '90

The infamous "gay cowboy" shirt sold in SEX leading to outrage and controversy. 

Sid Vicious and Vivienne Westwood 

A polaroid of "SEX", Vivienne Westwood's first store '75

Raja, a queen on RuPaul's Drag Race posing in ode to Vivienne during her time on the show. 

The two models walk together during the '90s runway show before the infamous kiss