I write this piece as I embark on my morning commute into Central London, where every morning I partake in my ritual activity to make the journey slightly less painful: outfit spotting. The objective?

To find the most outrageously garish outfit and one, which ultimately radiates the greatest ‘flare’ for personal style - I’d be lying if I said it was a tricky task. Amidst the sea of black, beige, and brown overcoats, even the slightest tint of colour ferociously protrudes out of the crowd.

Whilst yesterday morning my eye was initially drawn to a vivid neon orange beanie, it was a young woman with chrome nails, magenta-coloured hair, and a sheer black zip-up top who really stood out amongst the crowd of conformity. All ten of her fingers were studded with silver-shaded chunky rings, with their slightly tarnished exterior indicating that they had been well-loved. Oozing creativity, individuality and a hint of punk, her style felt as if it was almost an ode of remembrance to the immensely talented Vivienne Westwood. In light of Westwood’s radical and revolutionary contribution to the fashion industry, this piece emerges as a tribute to her and the immense role she played in revolutionising the fashion industry.

Arguably one of the most unique and radical fashion designers to emerge from British soil, Westwood was not only a figurehead for eccentricity but played a crucial role in harmonising politics and fashion. “Buy less, choose well, make it last” was a phrase pioneered by Westwood, as she sought to stress the importance of circular consumption to consumers. In the era we find ourselves in where sustainability is a fundamental challenge facing the industry, there is no doubt that Westwood played a crucial role in escalating the importance of this conversation.

It's even more remarkable to consider how Westwood’s career spawned from a jewellery course she undertook whilst working jobs as a primary school teacher and factory technician. Subversive, seductive and stimulating, it was Westwood’s founding of her Chelsea Boutique SEX, that propelled her career and clothes forward.

The eclectic mix of influences that inspired Westwood meant her personal style, was in fact ‘personal’. Showcasing her own clothes on the catwalk and in real life, Westwood emulateed the feeling that fashion shouldn’t be homogenous, but rather a crucial tool of self-expression. Radically switching up the game by experimenting with frayed and distressed clothes, Westwood acted as an emblem of controversy, with her uniqueness inspiring the likes of McQueen and Galliano.

This personal flare was a beacon of light that remained strong throughout the course of Westwood’s life. When receiving her OBE at Buckingham Palace in 1992, the newly named Dame showcased her infectious eccentricity by going knicker-less for the Royal Occasion.

As a tireless activist and pioneering designer, the peaceful passing of Westwood sheds light on a myriad of messages. In Westwood’s own words ‘you have to go faster than the system.’ The fashion system we find ourselves in is all-encompassing, and in the context of the corporate commute, largely comes in tones of beige, black and brown. But look a little closer and you will see how fashion can enrich and not fabricate. From Westwood, we can learn to choose culture over overconsumption, and most importantly creativity over conformity.