Fashion designers that changed the industry forever...

Vivienne Westwood

"The only reason I'm here is to destroy the word conformity."

Vivienne is a British fashion designer born in Derbyshire. Very well known for turning punk mainstream and her activism. Passionate about the effects of global warming and climate change, she changed the course of fashion, raising awareness about the negative effects the production of clothing has on the environment and the need to be more sustainable.

The fashion industry, being the 3rd biggest polluter in the world calls for the industry to create collections more sustainably but many like to avoid the problem of climate change.

Let's look at how Vivienne has impacted the fashion industry...

There is a page on the Vivienne Westwood website on the climate revolution. She looked to raise awareness that wasn't being brought about by political leaders.

I think the appeal of Vivienne is the fact that she shows in her actions that she's here for the younger generations as she wrote an activist manifesto which was called 'active resistance to propaganda' in hopes of preventing climate change for future generations.

Nobody with such a high status in society as Vivienne Westwood has made such an effort to save the planet, her designs that hit the runway were made from 90% lower-impact fabrics. I admire this about her, I am passionate about sustainability within fashion so she's one of my idols in the industry.

Her website also has sections for people to educate themselves on the effect of things we do on the planet and ways we can reduce this, such as carbon emissions and waste, craftsmanship and reimagining waste. She has also been open about working with many small

businesses around the world in Africa, India and various places around Europe, I believe this is hugely important to show culture in her clothing and appreciate other heritages. All of this is to use more environmentally friendly forms of production.

Vivienne Westwood Packaging

In terms of their packaging, it is made from 100% wood pulp of which 40% is recycled. In 2021 approximately there is 188.7 kg of waste from packaging per person. Therefore, the Westwood brand uses 100% recyclable packaging.

Coco Chanel

HOW SHE CHANGED THE COURSE OF WOMENS FASHION.

' If your sad add more lipstick and attack'

From corsets to trousers, Chanel was keen to popularise flowy, loose-fitting garments.

Coco, like Vivienne Westwood, wanted to destroy the word conformity. Previously trousers were used as practicality for women to work while the men were at war, only worn if they had to... that was until the icon Coco Chanel wanted to make a change. She popularised women wearing trousers. She loved to wear trousers and often wore those of her male lovers.

The little black dress.

An absolute staple in any women's wardrobe, made by Chanel, the little black dress will forever be a trend, interpreted in multiple different ways each season.

The Chanel Suit

In my opinion the Chanel suit not only represented class and style but also the power of women and gave women a great sense of confidence and purpose. First released in the 1920s, Chanel was inspired by menswear and sportswear which led to her creating the mesmerizing co-ords. Something people look at to this day inspired by her creation.

Chanel no5

I think all of our mums have owned this perfume at some point in their lives...

She stated that she didn't want a perfume that smelled like flowers but like a woman.

Formulated with over 80 ingredients it makes it a complex yet staple sent in your perfume collection. She launched it in 1921 and since about 10 million bottles are sold each year.

The Jersey Dress

As said previously, she was heavily inspired by activewear. Jersey is an easy material and comfortable to use, which links back well to her brand of going from tight, restrictive clothing to comfortable clothing. She continued to use the jersey material for other items of clothing such as skirts and jumpers which became extremely popular at the time.